Almost everyone understands the importance of taking care of their teeth. They brush and floss as directed and they see the dentist for regular cleanings. Few people give as much thought to their gums as they do the more visible areas of their mouth, though. You might be surprised at how damaging gum diseases are and how effective early treatment can be to prevent problems. Read on to find out more.
Underlying Gum Concerns
The signs of a cavity can be pretty obvious and uncomfortable. Gum issues can be more difficult to notice and may exist for a long time before a problem is detected. When you are speaking of gum disease, you are likely talking about an infection in your gums caused by the invasion of bacteria. Microbes can enter your gums in several ways — all it takes is a loose tooth, decay, or a missing tooth for an opening to occur. Once breached, gums can be subject to a number of infection issues.
What to Watch For
Unlike a cavity, gum problems don't always present with pain. Gums that are painful or swollen always warrant a trip to the dentist, but you might also want to watch for the below signs that all is not well with your gums:
Steps to Take
Gum disease is not an isolated condition. When gums are inflamed, abscesses can occur. An abscess is a pocket of pus on your gums. It may feel sore. Get to your dentist right away if you notice such a pocket. Abscesses can lead to far more serious problems. Even infections that don't enter your bloodstream can create long-term, sometimes-permanent conditions. Gum diseases can cause the bones in your jaw to deteriorate, which can affect the stability and appearance of the bottom of your face. To avoid these serious problems, take these steps:
To find out more, speak to your family dentist about your gum health.
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