If you are concerned that you may have gum disease, you are not alone. Millions of American adults knowingly or unknowingly suffer from periodontal disease issues. Gum disease could signify several other problems all through the body. Besides, if left untreated, the bacteria causing these concerns could infiltrate the bloodstream via gum tissues. This condition could cause more serious issues like rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, and respiratory disease. Periodontist dr. anna munné houston understands how serious gum disease can affect your general health and well-being. As such, Dr. Munné suggests you seek specialist care if you identify any of these concerns.
1. Bleeding Gums
If your gums bleed whenever you floss or brush, this is among the most evident indications that you might have periodontal disease. If you fail to floss regularly, the bacteria that accumulates behind your gums can lead your gums to bleed whenever you brush your teeth. Dangerous germs that form in the mouth have the potential to enter circulation and, with time, cause major health difficulties later.
When you observe bleeding gums, do not delay your regular dental examination. Even while gingivitis is readily reversible with good oral hygiene, it is still an early phase of periodontitis that requires treatment before it progresses.
2. Gum Recession or Pocketing
If you have observed that your teeth appear longer than usual, it could be because the gums around them are retreating. These pockets might become too deep in the later phases of gum disease. Nevertheless, it is important to distinguish between gum recession and pocketing.
Gum recession is the loss of gum tissue surrounding a tooth, revealing the root, whereas pocketing is the space between the teeth and gums. If left unchecked, it may become too difficult to eliminate debris and food with flossing and brushing alone. Thus, it is best to prevent this steady advancement with regular checkups from a dental specialist.
3. Sensitive Teeth
Gum recession or gum pocketing could result in teeth hypersensitivity, which may signify periodontal disease. The gum tissue becomes so swollen that it reveals the tooth’s root surface. This condition raises the probability of developing tooth decay and losing teeth.
4. Increased Blood Sugar
If you have high blood sugar levels or type II diabetes, you might be more prone to gum disease that progresses more rapidly. This issue is even worse if your diabetes is uncontrolled.
When it comes to dental health, high sugar levels diminish blood flow to the gums. These issues could lead to repeated infections and tooth and bone loss. In addition, excessive blood sugar may induce dry mouth, which can exacerbate periodontal disease. Therefore, it is vital to share all these concerns with your specialist.
5. Halitosis (Chronic Foul Breath)
You might not consider foul breath to be an indicator of disease. After all, some foods like garlic can occasionally cause bad breath. However, persistent bad breath that does not improve with basic oral care may signify a periodontal infection.
Flossing and brushing are effective everyday practices that can address your gum disease concerns. However, you should not overlook the issue if you notice any warning signs of periodontitis. Talk to your dentist to determine the stage of your periodontal disease and whether you require dental care.

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