Signs of Gum Problems

Have you noticed over time that your gums are looking darker or more inflamed? Color changes and bleeding when flossing or brushing are some signs that you are developing gum problems. The culprit is likely gingivitis, and this can happen from poor oral hygiene or even with pregnancy hormones. Red gums can soon become swollen gums or ones that have disease and recede from the teeth. Gum disease works this way and is one of the most common diseases in the U.S. Take note of the small gum changes you are seeing now to prevent gum problems and disease in the future!

What Gum Problems Can You Have?

There are many different types of oral health problems you can have that with affect either the teeth, or the soft tissues of your mouth such as the tongue, cheeks and gums. Most gum problems will fall in the realm of “gum disease”. However, you can have oral conditions such as oral cancer that may cause lesions or sores on the gums. This is one example of gum problems not caused by gum disease.

Another example are pregnancy tumors that can happen when a woman is pregnant. Pregnancy increases many hormones in the body, some of which increase blood production (like in the mouth). Both of these can cause lesions (considered benign tumors) on the gums. These can be small nodes or they can grow large. They are areas of inflamed gum tissue along the gum line that can bleed and cause discomfort. If you are pregnant, gum problems such as these should go away after birth, but a dentist can still remove the growths. However, outside of pregnancy, most gum problems will be some stage of gum disease.

Gingivitis and Gum Disease

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, and it is a stage that countless millions of people have without realizing it. Only about 65% of people visit the dentist each year, and many of those only visit once instead of the recommended two times. 3 out of 10 millennials brush their teeth once a day (if that), and adults and children are not much better. With poor oral hygiene habits, oral health conditions and diseases start to grow. Over 64.7 million American adults have gum disease in various stages.

A large portion have gingivitis, which is a treatable stage and the first stage that most people will deal with. When oral hygiene habits (such as brushing and flossing) aren’t done enough, plaque will collect along the gum line. That plaque is an acidic substance made from sugars in your food mixed with mouth bacteria. It slowly erodes and decays your teeth, while the acidity irritates your gums. That causes gingivitis in the gums, which is an irritation that causes them to be inflamed, red, and swollen. Your gums may even turn darker red and will likely bleed easier.

Gum disease is fairly painless as it ruins your gums, so watch for these gum problems. If you up your game with oral hygiene, you can reverse this stage. With later stages, the gums begin to recede (moderate gum disease), and the teeth begin to fall out (severe stage). At our office, we can check your gum line for recession and your gum pockets for infections. We can provide deep cleanings to help reverse the effects of your gum problems. Removing plaque, tartar and infections or abscesses can help calm down your gum disease. If you notice any abnormal gum problems or changes happening, always consult a dentist right away.

Reducing Your Problems at Home

If you’ve been to the dentist recently for a dental cleaning or comprehensive exam, then you’ve probably had a talk about your brushing and flossing. Dentists can see the signs of poor oral hygiene because the lack of those habits are key causes of gum problems, tooth decay and oral diseases. The simple habits are truly the things you want to focus on if you want fewer dental issues in the future. Those include:

• Brushing your teeth. Studies show that only 3 in 10 millennials brush their teeth once a day, and adults aren’t much better. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day (if not more), for 2 minutes at a time. Brush all your tooth surfaces in different direction and motions.
• Floss each day. When you skip flossing, plaque and food particles hang out around your gums and in between the teeth, which causes gum problems and tooth decay. Floss 1-2 times a day (or more if you have braces), making sure you floss up into the gum line. Scrape your teeth as you move the floss away from your gum line to remove extra plaque.
• Use ADA-approved mouthwash, which can kill bacteria that causes decay and gum problems. Try to find one with fluoride to strengthen your teeth.
• Watch what you eat. Soda and carbonated beverages, as well as citrus drinks and fruits, will all erode and decay your teeth because of the acids they contain. Limit these food items as much as possible. Also reduce your sugar intake. The more sugar you eat, the more plaque your mouth makes and the more decay and gum problems you will have.
• See the dentist at least twice a year for comprehensive examinations, oral cancer screenings and dental cleanings.

If you’re not quite sure how these oral hygiene habits should be done, call Stonebrook Family Dental at (303) 872-7907 for oral health tips!