We get it! When it comes to staying healthy, there is a lot to remember. You know you are supposed to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily, but have you given much thought to why?
It turns out, properly cleaning your teeth is important for many more reasons than just keeping your smile radiant. If you don’t follow the steps to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy, you could be putting yourself at risk for health issues like gum disease. At Davenport Dental Group in Laredo, TX, we can help keep you on track, but it’s important to understand just how serious gum disease can be.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of your gums or the tissues that hold your teeth in place. In most cases, gum disease is caused by a lack of proper brushing and flossing. When your teeth aren’t clean properly, plaque will build up on the teeth and harden over time.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums, problems chewing, and tooth loss.
Signs of Gum Disease
The sooner gum disease is treated, the better. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned below, call us to schedule an appointment. You want to take action before your symptoms get worse or you develop an even more serious problem.
Swollen, Red Gums
One of the first signs of gum disease is inflammation along the gum line. Take a close look at your gums and notice whether they look red or swollen. They might also feel tender and bleed easily when flossing or brushing.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Bacteria flourish in your mouth and they feed on plaque. More plaque means more bacteria. Those bacteria release toxins that cause gum and tooth irritation and give off a foul smell. If you have chronic bad breath, it could be a sign of gum disease.
Receding Gums
Have you noticed that your teeth look bigger than they used to? If so, your gums could be shrinking or receding. In patients with gum disease, the bone starts to break down, causing the gums to separate from the tooth.
Sensitive Teeth
There are several contributors to sensitive teeth but one of the main ones is gum disease. Typically, sensitive teeth and receding gums go hand-in-hand. If your teeth make it difficult for you to enjoy a cold drink, it’s time to talk to your dentist.
Loose Teeth
Because gum disease attacks the bones that support your teeth, wiggly or moving teeth is another sign of gum disease. If your teeth have become loose or if you have noticed a change in the way your teeth fit together, you could be living with gum disease.
Whether you are experiencing only one of the above symptoms or several, don’t wait another minute to take care of your teeth. Call Davenport Dental Group at 956-242-6745 (Junction Drive) or 956-517-2695 (Winfield) to schedule an appointment. We will gently examine your teeth and gums, then treat your symptoms based on what we find. If you think you might have gum disease, take action and call us today.