Gum disease is not normal…in the sense that it shouldn’t be a part of your everyday life - but it is actually more common than you think. Poor oral hygiene is usually the culprit, but other factors like a change in the balance of hormones can have an effect as well. If you have a sneaking suspicion you might be suffering from this uncomfortable and dangerous malady, here’s how to determine if you actually have gum disease.

Know What Gum Disease Is

Gum disease is an infection in the gums or sometimes even in the bone closest to a tooth. This bacterial infection can cause inflammation and discomfort in the beginning, but quickly progresses to a much more serious problem. If left untreated, gum disease can cause serious damage to your teeth and bones – severe cases absolutely must be addressed by a professional. Beyond damaging areas of the mouth, advanced gum disease can lead to infections that can quickly and easily spread to other parts of the body – air, food, and water pass from the mouth into the digestive and respiratory tracts and can easily carry infections from the gums to the rest of your body.

Know the Common Signs of Gum Disease

It’s important to know what to look for when evaluating a problem. Several issues with your oral health may seem isolated from one another but can actually all point to the same culprit – gum disease. Know what to look for so you can seek help quickly:

1. Bad breath
2. Red, swollen gums
3. Teeth that shift
4. A change in your bite
5. Loose teeth
6. Receding gums
7. Gums that bleed during or after brushing
8. A bad taste in your mouth
9. Difficulty chewing

Get a Complete Dental Exam

Go – don’t wait a moment longer to set your next appointment. A thorough exam by a dental professional is the best way to determine if you actually have gum disease. They are trained to know the common signs as well as pick out other red flags that might be indicators of problems, especially in those hard-to-reach places you might not be able to easily see for yourself. And if it turns out that you do have gum disease, your dentist will determine how advanced the disease is and what the appropriate course of treatment is.

If you have noted the signs and your dentist determines you actually have gum disease, it’s time to take action. Gum disease gets progressively more serious but can be reversed if you catch it early enough. Heed your dentist’s advice and recommendations to be sure you put a stop to the progression of gum disease – before it negatively affects much more than just your gums. If you are in need of a caring dental professional in Coralville, IA to evaluate your gums for signs of disease, Coral West Dental is a great option – call today to schedule a complete dental exam that will start you down the path to healthy teeth and gums!