Any dentist will tell you that gum disease, while not always painful or even noticeable, can be caused by bacteria getting into your gums and causing damage to your teeth and gums. When left untreated, gum disease symptoms can lead to complications like tooth loss, so it’s important to know how to spot the signs of gum disease and what you can do about them.
Early symptoms of gum disease
Sometimes you might notice a new problem before you have any symptoms. You could have bleeding gums, or your dentist might notice something unusual about your mouth during a routine checkup. Bleeding gums may be caused by brushing too hard or flossing incorrectly, but can also be a sign of gum disease. For example, if you are pregnant, hormonal changes can cause bleeding gums—but it’s important to see your dentist right away because it’s also a sign of periodontal disease (gum disease). If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss over time.
How to get rid of bad breath
Bad breath is a common problem that can be caused by gum disease. There are many ways to get rid of bad breath, but getting to the root of what’s causing it (such as gum disease) is an important first step. Gum disease symptoms include bad breath, swollen gums, bleeding gums and receding gums. Read on for advice on how to treat these symptoms. Additionally, learn more about how periodontal treatments work in our Periodontal Treatments Information Center.
Diet can affect your gums
A healthy diet can be good for your teeth and gums. Avoiding food and drinks that can cause tooth decay can help prevent gum disease. Make sure you have three meals a day, with no more than four hours between each meal. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. We all know that fish is good for us – but did you know it’s also good for your teeth? Some kinds of fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which protect against gum disease. Most doctors recommend eating oily fish (such as mackerel, salmon or tuna) at least twice a week to keep your gums healthy! If you enjoy a night out at restaurants with family or friends, pick places where there are fresh salads on offer – or just order some extra vegetables!
Drink water to cleanse your mouth
If you want to prevent gum disease symptoms, you should drink a glass of water whenever you feel like chewing something. Chewing gum provides your mouth with hydration, so drinking water at least once an hour is a good idea. If you’re concerned about bad breath as well, rinse your mouth out after eating or drinking anything. Remember: The health of your gums is in your hands—literally! Good oral hygiene helps keep things healthy down there, too.
Medication for gum disease
Gum disease is a very real concern for millions of Americans. In fact, gum disease occurs in 90% of adults over 30 years old, though it may be difficult to detect without regular dental checkups. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss; it’s estimated that 1 out of every 5 Americans over 50 will lose at least one tooth due to periodontal disease. Not only is medication for gum disease important for maintaining oral health but also overall general health – diabetes and heart disease have been linked to poor oral hygiene (Rhodes). Here are some quick tips on what to do if you think you might have symptoms of gum disease
Exercise can be beneficial for gums
Exercise can be beneficial for a variety of body parts, and your gums are no exception. If you suffer from gum disease, you might experience gums that feel sensitive or painful when you brush your teeth. You could also see bleeding or soreness, as well as red or swollen tissue in or around your mouth. Exercise can help alleviate all of these symptoms by reducing stress levels while improving cardiovascular health; doing aerobic exercises can be especially beneficial to people with gum disease.
