Wondering if You Have Gum Disease? Here Are the Signs

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Sometimes, certain signs and symptoms can make oral health conditions obvious. For example, if your gums are significantly eroded and your teeth have become loose, then the presence of gum disease may seem obvious. However, when it first develops, gum disease isn’t that obvious, and many patients in Encinitas/San Diego can miss the signs that first warn them of the condition. If you’re wondering if you have gum disease, then check closely for these signs that could mean it’s time to visit your periodontist.

You have bad breath that sticks around

Gum disease is caused by harmful oral bacteria that gather along your gums and produce harmful substances that irritate the tissues. Some of them can also release foul-smelling substances that lead to chronically bad breath, indicating an excessive presence of harmful bacteria. As these bacteria erode your gums, the presence of bad breath can become increasingly stronger and more noticeable.

You notice spots of blood in your saliva

Besides giving off a consistently bad smell, diseased gum tissues can also bleed, though it isn’t always highly noticeable. At first, you might notice spots of blood mixed in with your saliva when you brush and floss your teeth. The increased pressure can cause your gums to bleed even when they’re in the earliest stages of gum disease. As it progresses, you might also notice blood in your saliva even when you aren’t brushing and flossing.

Your teeth look longer than usual

Gum recession, or the separation of your gums from your teeth, is another prominent symptom of gum disease. It can allow more bacteria to gather underneath your gums, exacerbating your gum disease and affecting the appearance of your smile overall. As the gums recede, for instance, your teeth roots become more exposed, making your teeth seem longer than they used to.

Learn how to fight gum disease early

If you’re wondering whether or not you have gum disease, then these and other signs can help you determine if you should seek treatment. For more information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.