Gum Disease is a Serious Medical Condition

According to a study released by the American Dental Association, more than 47 percent of adults in the United States over the age of thirty have mild, moderate, or severe gum disease. Furthermore, it was found in the same study that nearly two-thirds of adults over the age of 65 have moderate to severe forms of gum disease. Here at Bitterroot Dental, we feel that these two statistics are quite alarming and, in our opinion, show that there is a lot of work that needs to be done in regards to the proper diagnosis and treatment of gum disease across America. In part one of a two-part blog series, we are going to use today’s post to go over the warning signs that indicate you may be suffering from gum disease. Continue reading below to learn more.

How Do You Know If You Have Gum Disease?

While the only true way to know if you have gum disease is to visit a dentist, there are a few signs that can indicate that your gums are suffering. Below, we have listed out the most common warning signs that you are suffering from gum disease.

• Bleeding Gums: If you have noticed that your gums are bleeding more than usual, especially when you are brushing, it may indicate that you are developing or have already developed gum disease. As the bacteria in your mouth that causes the infection to occur takes hold, it irritates your gums, leading to them being much more susceptible to bleeding.

• Swollen Gums: If your gums are swollen, it could indicate that you are suffering from gum disease. As your gums work to handle the infection from the bacteria, they will become inflamed. This leads to the gums appearing swollen in nature, often bulging around the teeth and, in some cases, changing color.

• Retreating Gums: One of the most noticeable warning signs of gum disease is a receding gum line. A receding gum line is not just a cosmetic eyesore. As your gums pull further away from the base of your teeth, the roots of your teeth become more exposed bacteria contained within the mouth. If this is not treated, it will eventually lead to an infection of the tooth’s root and dental pulp and, in some cases, loss of the tooth.

• Bad Breath: While it is normal for people to have bad breath every once in awhile, such as after eating a meal loaded with garlic, it is not normal for a person to have chronic bad breath. If you have noticed that your breath is particularly bad, even after brushing, it could indicate that you are suffering from gum disease. As the disease progresses, the bacteria in the mouth multiply more than they should, leading to an increase in acid production and, as a result, an increase in bad breath.

Join us again next time as we cover some of the ways that you can help to prevent gum disease from taking hold. Additionally, if you would like to make an appointment at our Missoula dentist office, get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment. With years of experience under our belts, we are certain that we can handle any and all dental needs that you may have.