Less Common Signs That You Are Developing Gum Disease

If you take good care of the teeth, then you should know that your gum tissues are just as important to your oral health. These tissues should be investigated regularly like the teeth, and any sort of concern should be addressed. You can check on your gums at home to identify any potential signs that you may be developing gum disease. There are a few less obvious signs that you may note, such as the following.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is often associated with your food choices and whether or not your mouth is clean. Specifically, onions and garlic certainly release an odor and so does the tartar and plaque that forms on the teeth. You may also notice some issues due to the foreign debris on your tongue. However, gum issues are a concern as well. Your gums will release a smell when the bacteria start to gather under the tissues due to the metabolic activity of the microorganisms. 

The more infected the gum tissues, the more bacteria that can gather. This is especially true as the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets also trap food that can degrade over time and produce smells. 

If your gum disease progresses, then abscesses can form in the mouth where foul-smelling pus is created, and the infected tissues themselves may smell. So, do not discount a bad breath situation as merely something that can be handled with better oral care. Your gums may need some added assistance.

Loose Teeth

When the gums become infected, a great deal of inflammation will develop around the teeth. This inflammation can spread throughout the gum tissues and it may even start to infiltrate the tougher tissues in the mouth like the periodontal ligaments. These ligaments are responsible for holding the teeth in place within their specific sockets. The ligaments attach to the tooth roots and they keep the teeth quite secure. When they inflame, though, then the teeth may be able to shift slightly out of place.

So if the teeth are able to move more than they used to, this is a sign that your gum disease may have progressed significantly. Over time, the teeth also may loosen as bacteria gather deep underneath the gums and start to wear away at the jaw. This creates bone loss where the dental sockets may widen significantly. 

If you want to know more about gum disease and the issues you should look out for when investigating the tissue ailment, speak with a dentist near you.