Gum Disease Symptoms - Woodinville, WA

Gum disease is a major health issue in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47.2 percent of American adults age 30 and older have some form of gum disease. While Dr. Cristin Dowd and Dr. Ken Wu offer treatments for different stages of gum disease from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, preventative care tends to be most ideal for the health of the smile. That’s why our Woodinville, WA practice lets patients know about various gum disease warning signs as they arise.

The team at Signature Smiles would like to go over some of the most common symptoms of periodontal disease below. This will help you figure out if you should see a dentist about a potential problems with your gums.

Swollen Gums

If you notice your gums are becoming puffy or swollen, that’s a common early sign of inflammation and gum disease. Keep an eye out for this when you look in the mirror while brushing and flossing.

Tender Gums

You may notice your gums feel sore and sensitive more than they usually do. That’s often a telltale sign of gum disease setting in. Note any changes in the feel of your mouth, particularly when eating.

Discolored Gums

Healthy gum tissue is a pink color. If you notice your gum tissue become red or darker than usual, that’s generally a sign of gum disease, especially if it’s combined with any of the other symptoms we’re noting.

Bleeding Gums

You gum bleed after serious injury or cuts. If you notice your gums bleeding after brushing your teeth gently or simply after eating, that’s something one of our Woodinville dentists will look into. It’s a common sign of gum disease.

Persistent Bad Breath

Bad breath is linked to many dental health and general wellness problems. People with gum disease tend to suffer from chronic bad breath. This is sometimes accompanied by a weird taste in the mouth.

Gum Recession

When your gums are not healthy, they can peel away from around a tooth. This gum recession lengthens the appearance of the teeth, exposing structure that should be covered.

Tooth Sensitivity

As the gums recede, tooth sensitivity tends to follow. Since the loss of gum tissue has exposed more of a tooth’s structure, this results in greater sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. There may also be pain when biting and chewing due to the gum recession and tenderness of the gums.

Changes in Tooth Spacing

As the gum tissue becomes more inflamed and recedes, this can cause tooth gaps to become larger. Be mindful of changes in the space and position of your teeth, especially when any of the other side effects have occurred.

Loose Teeth

As the health of the gums deteriorates, this tends to lead to problems with the stability of the teeth. Changes in spacing are usually follows by loose teeth, which can make eating certain foods difficult.

Get Dental Treatment as Soon as Possible

If you notice any of the warning signs or symptoms of gum disease above, be sure to speak with a dentist at our Woodinville office as soon as possible. The earlier that gum disease is treated, the easier it is to reverse the damage done and avoid more serious dental health problems down the road.

Speak with a Skilled Dentist

To learn more about treating and preventing gum disease, be sure to contact our team of cosmetic and restorative dentists. You can reach us at Signature Smiles by phone at (425) 489-1177.