Gum Disease Symptoms in Loveland, CO

Do You Have Gum Disease Symptoms?

Gum disease is one of the most prevalent oral health issues. But how can you tell if you have gum disease or if you’re at a higher risk of developing it? Our dentist outlines the risk factors and symptoms of gum disease in the guide below.

If you experience any of the symptoms of gum disease listed, contact our Loveland, CO dental office today at (970) 669-3918 to book an appointment.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Red, Tender, or Swollen Gums

Healthy gums should be firm and pale pink. If your gums are red, swollen, or tender, it could be a warning sign of gum disease.

1. Redness: Healthy gums are typically pink. If your gums appear red or have a reddish tint, it may suggest inflammation due to gum disease. This redness is usually caused by increased blood flow to the affected area.
2. Tenderness: Healthy gums shouldn’t feel tender or painful to touch. However, with periodontal disease, your gums might become sensitive and tender, causing discomfort while brushing, flossing, or eating certain foods.
3. Swelling: Swollen gums are a common indication of periodontal disease. When the gum tissues are infected, they can become puffy and swollen, making them appear larger than usual and possibly causing them to protrude between your teeth.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are a frequent early warning sign of gum disease.

1. Bleeding during brushing or flossing: Gums should not bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. If you notice blood on your toothbrush or dental floss, it might be a sign of gum disease, typically caused by inflammation and infection in the gums.
2. Spontaneous bleeding: Sometimes, gums affected by gum disease may bleed spontaneously, even without brushing or flossing. You might notice blood on your pillow in the morning or during everyday activities like eating or talking.
3. Persistent bleeding: Bleeding related to gum disease is often recurrent and doesn’t resolve on its own. If your gums continue to bleed for an extended period, it’s crucial to seek dental care for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Receding Gums

Periodontal disease can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria can accumulate.

1. Gum line changes: As periodontal disease advances, the gum tissue can begin to recede or pull away from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots and causing sensitivity and aesthetic concerns.
2. Tooth sensitivity: When gums recede, the underlying tooth roots become exposed. These roots aren’t protected by enamel like the tooth crowns, making them sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.
3. Longer-looking teeth: As gums recede, the tooth roots become more visible, making teeth appear longer. This change in tooth length and root exposure can affect your smile’s aesthetics.
4. Spaces or gaps between teeth: Receding gums can cause teeth to appear spaced or develop gaps between them. The loss of gum tissue can alter the alignment and positioning of the teeth.
5. Loose Teeth: In severe gum disease cases, the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and underlying bone, can weaken, resulting in loose teeth or mobility issues.

Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, may signal the progression of periodontal disease.

1. Bacterial buildup: Periodontal disease results from plaque accumulation, a sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth and gums. As bacteria multiply in the mouth, they release volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) with a distinctly unpleasant odor.
2. Gum infection: The bacteria in plaque can infect gum tissues, leading to inflammation and damage, creating an environment where bacteria continue to produce foul-smelling gases.
3. Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate oral hygiene can worsen periodontal disease and contribute to bad breath. When plaque and food particles aren’t effectively removed through brushing and flossing, they decompose and provide a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to persistent bad breath.

Loose or Shifting Teeth

Periodontal disease can cause the bone supporting your teeth to deteriorate, leading to loose or shifting teeth.

1. Gum detachment: As periodontal disease worsens, infection and inflammation can cause gum tissue to detach from the teeth, forming pockets or spaces between the gums and teeth. The loss of gum attachment weakens tooth support, making them feel loose or mobile.
2. Bone loss: Bacteria responsible for gum disease can also attack and destroy the underlying bone supporting the teeth, known as periodontitis. As bone is gradually lost, there’s less support for the teeth, causing them to become loose or shift position.
3. Changes in bite alignment: As teeth lose support and become mobile, they can start to shift out of their normal alignment, affecting your bite and causing changes in how your upper and lower teeth fit together when you close your mouth.
4. Tooth loss: If periodontal disease is left untreated and progresses to an advanced stage, teeth may become so loose that they eventually fall out or require extraction due to a lack of support from the surrounding structures.

Changes in Your Bite

Gum disease can also cause changes in your bite, the way your teeth come together when you close your mouth.

1. Tooth mobility: As the disease progresses, it can weaken supporting structures of the teeth, including gums and bone, resulting in tooth mobility or looseness.
2. Shifting teeth: Periodontal disease can cause gums to recede and bone to deteriorate, leading to changes in tooth positioning. As teeth shift or move, the way your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite or chew can be altered, resulting in an irregular or misaligned bite.
3. Malocclusion: Malocclusion refers to improper teeth alignment when jaws are closed, occurring due to changes in tooth positioning caused by periodontal disease. As teeth shift or become mobile, your bite may not fit together correctly, leading to malocclusion.
4. Tooth wear: Periodontal disease can lead to changes in how your teeth contact each other during biting and chewing, causing uneven wear on teeth, with some experiencing excessive pressure or grinding against each other. Over time, this can lead to tooth wear, chips, or fractures, further contributing to changes in your bite.

Pus Between the Teeth and Gums

In advanced periodontal disease cases, you might notice pus between the teeth and gums.

1. Gum abscess formation: As periodontal disease progresses, pockets or spaces can form between teeth and gums due to gum tissue detachment. These pockets create a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive and multiply. If infection becomes localized and trapped within these pockets, it can lead to gum abscess formation.
2. Accumulation of pus: A gum abscess is characterized by pus accumulation, a thick, yellowish, or whitish fluid consisting of dead bacteria, inflammatory cells, and tissue debris. Pus indicates an active infection, signaling bacteria presence and the body’s immune response to combat infection.
3. Foul taste or odor: Pus from a gum abscess can sometimes lead to a foul taste or odor in the mouth, resulting from bacteria and their byproducts present in the pus.

Gum Disease Risk Factors

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing gum disease, including:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting to brush and floss regularly can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, resulting in tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other health conditions.
• Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco significantly increases gum disease risk by decreasing blood flow to the gums, making it harder for the body to fight infection.
• Genetics: Some individuals may be more susceptible to gum disease due to genetic factors.
• Age: Older adults are more likely to develop gum disease, especially with poor oral hygiene habits.
• Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes face a higher risk of gum disease due to compromised immune systems and increased susceptibility to infections.
• Medications: Certain medications, like antidepressants and heart medications, can cause dry mouth, raising periodontal disease risk.
• Hormonal Changes: Women are more prone to gum disease during pregnancy or menopause due to hormonal fluctuations. Morning sickness can also damage oral health integrity.
• Poor Nutrition: A diet high in sugar and carbohydrates increases gum disease risk by promoting harmful bacteria growth in the mouth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take Control of Your Oral Health Today

At our dental practice in Loveland, CO, we offer gum disease treatment to restore your dental health and preserve your smile’s appearance. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait until the disease progresses.

Call our office at (970) 669-3918 to schedule your consultation. We welcome patients from Evans, Campion, and Garden City. We’re committed to providing our patients with high-quality, compassionate dental care, and we look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.