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A lot of people suffer from gum disease but don’t actually realize it, but thankfully, we are here to help! Gum disease is an unfortunate and harmful infection that affects the gums in a person’s mouth. Are you wondering if you have gum disease? In this article, we go over what gum disease is and how to tell if you have it. Being aware of what gum disease looks and feels like can be helpful if you think you may be suffering from it. Read more to find out more about gum disease as well as how to determine whether or not you have it.

Gum disease

First and foremost, it is important to understand what exactly gum disease is.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a general term because there are a lot of different bacterial infections that can affect the gums. However, in general, when the gums are infected, it ends up causing disease if it doesn’t get treated. Another name for gum disease is periodontal disease, which is an inflammatory condition of the gums and the supporting bone. There are two types of gum disease that most commonly affect people - gingivitis and periodontitis.

Signs of gum disease

These are the most common signs that may indicate that you have gum disease. A lot of these signs go unnoticed, but they are definitely red flags.

Bleeding gums

One of the biggest signs that you have gum disease is if your gums are bleeding. Bleeding gums indicate that there is an infection present. While some light bleeding is normal, the gums should never bleed continuously or every time you brush your teeth.

Receding gums

Another thing to be aware of is receding gums. When the gums begin to pull back, which may make the teeth look longer, the gums are beginning to recede. Dentists cannot reverse receding gums and they need to address them immediately.

Bad breath

One sign that most people don’t notice is that of bad breath. Often times, it gets blamed on lack of oral hygiene or eating too much garlic, but if bad breath is continuous, it may indicate that gum disease is present. When the gums are diseased, it is due to bacterial growth. The bacterial growth will cause the entire mouth to smell foul.

Swollen or inflamed gums

If you notice that your gums are extremely red and swollen, then it may indicate that the gums have an infection. Any inflammation, swelling or red coloring may mean that the gums aren’t in the best shape possible. The gums are supposed to be pink and strong, not red and tender.

Want to learn more?

If you’re fearing that your gums have an infection, then it may be best to consult with a dentist or periodontist. Any of these signs may indicate that you do have gum disease and it needs immediate attention. We are here to help! Whether you have questions or concerns, we can be of assistance. Give us a call or stop by our office.