Early Warning Signs of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a type of gum disease that occurs when your gums become infected. Gingivitis may be fairly common, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a serious condition. If you let it go untreated, it can develop into periodontal disease, which is even more serious. That’s why it’s important to know the early warning signs of gingivitis. If you take steps to deal with gingivitis before it gets worse, it will be much easier to handle.

Your Gums Bleed When You Brush

Your toothbrush shouldn’t make your gums bleed unless you either have gingivitis or you’re brushing much too hard. If you’re very gentle with your brushing and flossing, but still see blood, there’s a problem. Another related sign of gingivitis is tender gums. If your gums hurt when you brush, eat certain foods, or when you touch them, you may have gingivitis.

Your Gums are Dark Red or Swollen

Do your gums look dark red or a dusty red? If so, it’s a sign that you have an infection. They may also look swollen or puffy. This is another sign that something is wrong and that you need to see a dental professional.

Have you noticed that your gums appear to have receded? In addition to their coloring or swelling, infected gums will start to pull away from your teeth. If you can tell that more of your teeth are exposed than before, it’s likely you’re dealing with gingivitis.

You Have Bad Breath

If you seem to have constant or recurring bad breath, it might not be because you’re eating the wrong foods. Gingivitis can cause your mouth to have a particular odor due to the number of germs and bacteria living in your gums. If you can’t seem to get rid of that smell, it’s likely that you have some kind of infection somewhere in your mouth.

Dealing with Gingivitis

If you do see these early warning signs, you need to call and make an appointment with James R. Anderson, DDS, right away. While brushing and flossing more regularly and using mouthwash will help, you may need something more powerful to truly deal with gingivitis.