Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and has several warning signs that can tip you off, but only if you know what the signs and symptoms are. Like we’ve mentioned in our previous blogs, we place great value on educating our patients about their oral health and dental care needs. Today, as your local and trusted dentist office in Plano, we’re going to take a look at some of the common signs and symptoms of gingivitis.
These common signs and symptoms of gingivitis are from the American Dental Association (ADA).
Are your gums swollen, red, and sensitive to the touch? Your gums could feel this way due to the toxins that are released by plaque, as they irritate the gums. These toxins will build up on your gumline and are the main cause of gingivitis.
If you’ve noticed your teeth appear longer, this could be due to gum recession caused by gingivitis. Remember those toxins that build up on your gumline? Recessed gums reveal more of your teeth than healthy gums and can lead to sensitivity issues.
Have you felt a pocket or similar area developing between one of your teeth and your gums? This is another big symptom of gingivitis, and if food particles get trapped in these pockets, bacteria can quickly grow, causing gum tissue to become irritated and if left to its own devices, an infection can easily develop.
A huge warning sign of gingivitis is bad breath. We’re not talking about bad morning breath; we’re talking about chronic foul breath that others likely notice, too. This foul breath may also be present with a bad taste in your mouth.
If you’ve noticed a thick, yellow fluid in the pockets between your teeth and gums, it’s likely you have gum disease. This pus can be painful and cause swelling if pressure builds between the affected gum and tooth. In this case, it’s imperative that you visit your local Plano dentist office as quickly as possible because this infection can cause a gum abscess or periodontal abscess.
Visit your Plano dentist office at Shifa Dental today for a professional diagnosis. If you have gingivitis, we can recommend products to alleviate the condition and can show you how to use the products. Call today to schedule your appointment.