If you have noticed subtle changes to the health of your smile, and you’re not sure why, it could be gum disease. Gum infections often progress asymptomatically for a time before doing enough damage to become apparent.
Our Cheney gum disease dentists encourage all of our patients to stay alert for red flags that may indicate infected gum tissue. We have seen first-hand how important early detection and treatment can be to long-term prognoses.
It is very common for infected gum tissue to become more fragile, and thus prone to bleeding. If you notice blood when you brush and floss, or when you eat tough foods, your oral tissues may be significantly weakened. You may find that your gums become cut or broken more easily as well.
Once gum tissue takes hold, you may also find that your gums look red and swollen. As periodontal disease becomes more serious, you may even be able to see the gum tissue pulling away from your teeth. The resultant gaps between your teeth and gums are called periodontal pockets, and they are sure signs that gum disease is worsening.
Periodontal disease is also associated with halitosis, or chronic bad breath. The oral bacteria that infiltrate teeth and gums also release unpleasant odors. So, as the bacteria in your mouth grow and multiply, they leave a literal bad taste in your mouth. Many gum disease sufferers find that it’s exceedingly difficult to overcome this type of bad breath, as you really need to manage the underlying infection before conquering bad breath.
If you notice any changes to your smile, that may indicate on ongoing infection, please reach out to our Cheney gum disease dentists for additional information and treatment options. The longer that gum disease is allowed to persist, the more damage it inflicts, and the harder it is to overcome.