Signs of gum disease from our dentist

If you ask the general population what they think the leading causes of tooth loss in adults are, most people will say tooth decay and dental extractions.

However, this is not the case. In reality, most of the tooth loss in adults is actually due to untreated gum disease, which can also be called periodontal disease. Gum disease is caused by an excessive amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth, which if left unchecked, can cause the gums to recede, the tendons that hold the teeth in place to be destroyed and the teeth themselves to become loose and fall out. If you suspect you have gum disease, you really need to get it treated as soon as possible.

At Hawthorn Drive Dental Practice, our dentist in Ipswich will be able to assess the condition of your gums and your teeth when you attend your biannual check-ups with our team. If we suspect that you have gum disease, we can refer you to our hygienist, or we can simply offer you a high fluoride toothpaste and an antibacterial mouthwash depending on the condition’s severity.

But what are some of the most common signs of gum disease and how can you spot them at home? Here, our dentist in Ipswich provides a very short guide on how to spot the signs of periodontal issues.

Bleeding gums

If you have ever seen TV adverts relating to mouthwashes, you will know that one of the leading signs of gum disease is bleeding gums when you brush your teeth. However, according to our dentist in Ipswich, this is not actually always a sign of gum disease and could possibly indicate that you are brushing your teeth too hard or flossing incorrectly. But of course, if you have concerns that you have bleeding gums which are not linked to your brushing technique, please make an appointment to see our team.

Swelling

When you have gum disease, the gums themselves become more sensitive and so, they bleed with less pressure and also swell as the body attempts to fight the infection. If you notice that there is swelling anywhere in your mouth which has come on suddenly or slowly, and is linked to soreness or discomfort when pressed with a finger or your tongue, then it may be worth calling our team to assess if this is gum disease or if it is an ulcer.

Persistent bad breath

It is a social menace that most people can eliminate by having a breath mint. But if you have persistent bad breath, even after brushing your teeth, this can also point to periodontal disease.  This is due to the excess levels of bacteria in the mouth and of course, the potential presence of pus and infection, which also creates some rather unpleasant odours. So, if you have persistent bad breath, please call our team as soon as possible.

Soreness

As mentioned earlier, gums that are diseased are more likely to be sore and sensitive. And while some people do experience sore gums after brushing their teeth too hard, if you have sore gums in your day-to-day life and experience discomfort after eating food, this can be an indication of gum disease which will need treating.

Loose teeth

In the more advanced stages of gum disease, you may notice that one or a number of your teeth feel loose. This is a sign that the tendons are breaking down and that the gum and bone are deeply affected by bacteria. When you notice this, please contact our team as soon as possible and we will attempt to splint the tooth and treat the gum disease.