Gum disease is a bacterial infection that is minor to begin with, but it soon leads to serious dental health issues. Blome Family Dentistry is Lincoln, NE’s trusted family dentist, and they’re battling gum disease on all fronts. It’s ruined countless smiles, but if you catch it early enough, gum disease is completely reversible. All you need is information and help from the right dentist.

4 Symptoms of Gum Disease

1. Red & Swollen Gums

Gum disease develops when plaque hardens on teeth and irritates the gum line. One of the first signs is red and swollen gums. The immune system releases antibodies to fight the infection, but the results aren’t always positive. The gums become inflamed and look darker and puffier than usual. Most people don’t pay attention to the look of their gums, and this early symptom often goes unnoticed.

2. Tender & Bleeding Gums

As the infection progresses, the gums remain red and swollen, and they also start to feel tender and bleed more easily. Healthy gum tissue occasionally bleeds during heavy brushing and flossing, but if your gums bleed every time you brush your teeth, gum disease is the likely cause. Infected gums even bleed for no apparent reason, and they may start to feel sensitive to pressure.

3. Tooth Sensitivity

As gum disease progresses into the second stage, called periodontitis, the gums start to recede. The teeth look longer because of the shortened gums, and eventually, the gums recede enough to expose the tooth’s root surface. Roots are extremely sensitive to temperature and pressure, and something as simple as drinking your morning coffee can be painful.

4. Loose Teeth

One of the final symptoms of advanced gum disease is the loosening and shifting of teeth. The gum tissue is irreparably damaged at this point, and gum loss leads to the decimation of the bony attachments that hold teeth in place. If your teeth feel loose or your bite is misaligned, it’s important to see a dentist immediately.

Tooth extraction is usually the only path of action during advanced stages of gum disease, but if you catch the symptoms early enough, you can reverse the infection and save your smile. Call Blome Family Dentistry at (402) 483-7000 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website for more information.