Signs of Gum Disease

There are few things that you want in life like a good job, a healthy family, and maybe a trip to the beach every year, but there are lots of things that you don’t want anything to do with like gum disease. As one of the most common oral conditions that Dr. Holbrook sees patients for, if you have gum disease, you certainly are not alone. But before you self diagnose yourself with this oral condition, there are a few signs for you to look out for.

• Red, swollen, bleeding, tender gums- These are the most common symptoms of gum disease. If you are the type of person who only flosses on occasion, then you may experience red, swollen, tender gums when you start flossing again. However, if you floss on a regular basis or if these symptoms don’t subside, then it may be an indication that you have gum disease.
• Receding Gums- In more advanced stages of gum disease, some patients start to notice that their gums are pulling away from the teeth which causes them to look longer than before. If this goes untreated, it can result in loose or separating teeth.
• Pus in between your gums and teeth- This is a big indication that you either have gum disease or you have another sort of oral infection.
• Persistent bad breath- Having bad breath after you eat a garlic burger or if you haven’t brushed your teeth in a few hours is normal, but having persistent bad breath isn’t.
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite or the way your partial dentures fit- In advanced stages of gum disease, patients experience shifts in the way that their teeth or dentures fit together which isn’t something you should necessarily be experiencing.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed in this article, make sure that you contact Dr. Holbrook today and schedule an appointment. To learn more or to schedule your next appointment, contact us at our Albuquerque at (505) 881-1159.