Gum disease not only impacts your oral health but also your overall well-being. It begins as simple-to-fix gingivitis. However, if you don’t regularly see your dentist and it is allowed to develop, the more involved treatment will be. The guide below gives you an idea of the warning signs to look out for.

What Are Common Indications of Gum Disease?

1. Bleeding Gums

Your gums can become sensitive and bleed in the early stages of gum disease. As plaque builds up along and below the gum line, decay-causing bacteria will lead to inflammation. This bleeding can be minor, though will inevitably worsen. Studies show that when these bacteria enter your bloodstream, they can potentially cause cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological issues. Therefore, seek the help of a dentist as soon as you notice problems.

2. Receding Gum Line

Once plaque creates pockets in your gums, your gum line will begin to pull back. There will be noticeable redness around your tooth roots and new surfaces of your teeth will be visible. These aren’t protected by enamel and will be more susceptible to decay. Your dentist can perform a scaling and planing procedure to remove plaque from these areas and reduce the impact of gum disease.

3. Loose Teeth & Shifting

Once gum disease has fully developed, your teeth will begin to loosen. Decay-causing bacteria destroy gum tissue and bone. If your teeth shift or suddenly begin wiggling loose, you’ll need immediate treatment to prevent extensive tooth loss and related jaw-bone decay.

Whether you have concerns about gum disease or are just overdue for a cleaning, dentist Teresa Wade DDS – Family Dentistry can fulfill your needs. Based in Andrews, TX, Dr. Wade and her team welcome patients of every age with a focus on preventive treatment to ensure a lasting smile. Their wide variety of dental care services include everything from scaling and planing to cosmetic procedures, like tooth whitening. Visit her website to explore the practice further. Call (432) 523-7782 to schedule an exam.