A well-rounded oral hygiene routine should pay as much attention to the gums as it does the teeth. The two work together to keep the jawbone healthy—and if the gum tissue breaks down from badly-infected or missing teeth, it will eventually cause bone loss and facial structure issues. Here, learn about the most common gum health problems.

What Gum Problems Should You Watch Out For?

1. Gum Recession

If you do not brush and floss your teeth as part of your daily oral hygiene routine, food remnants will linger along the gumline. Eventually, your mouth bacteria will combine with this debris to form plaque. This whitish film contributes to gum recession, in which your tissues pull away from the teeth to eventually expose the roots. This painful condition can also occur from aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush. Therefore, stick to brushing for two straight minutes twice a day using a soft-bristled tool.

2. Gingivitis

The precursor to periodontal disease, gingivitis occurs when bacteria collects on and below the gumline. It produces toxins that irritate and inflame the gums, resulting in redness and swelling. The health issue also causes the gums to bleed when you brush and floss.

3. Periodontal Disease

In addition to red, swollen, bleeding gums, those with periodontal disease experience gum recession, bad breath, painful chewing, sensitive teeth, and eventually tooth and bone loss. There is also evidence that periodontal disease contributes to other serious health problems such as pneumonia and heart disease, implying that your oral hygiene routine affects your overall well-being.

4. Abscesses

An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in response to serious infection, such as the diseases described above. Known as a periodontal abscess in dentistry, these “pockets” are the perfect environments for bacteria to thrive. See your dentist if you notice redness and swelling, a bad taste in your mouth from pus discharge, painful chewing, or tooth sensitivity.

In addition to practicing proper oral hygiene, keep your teeth and gums healthy with routine visits to the dentist. Allen S. Braumiller Jr. DDS, PC provides residents throughout Coweta, OK, and the surrounding communities with services for the whole family, including oral exams and root canals. Emergency care is also available. Call (918) 486-6516 today to schedule an appointment or visit the dentist with over 33 years of experience online to learn more about his offerings.