Tender, Swollen, Bleeding Gums? What You Need to Know Before It’s Too Late!
Practical information to help you prepare questions and understand your next step.
Original publication: 2015-03-12.
Recognizing Gum Disease Risks and Warning Signs
As children, missing a few teeth was considered cute. The prospect of money under your pillow from the tooth fairy even made losing a tooth exciting. It’s safe to say, as an adult, losing teeth is not something anyone looks forward to. If you knew you were putting yourself at risk of a toothless smile in the future, you’d want to do everything you could to prevent it, right?
“I brush and floss (almost) every day, isn’t that enough to keep my teeth from falling out?”
Brushing and flossing are very important to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Very few people floss as often as needed to prevent bacteria from growing. It’s important to realize gingivitis can develop in as few as 24 hours! While excellent home care is the most important step to preventing gum disease, there are many risk factors.
In addition to age, these factors can increase your risk for gum disease:
- Poor nutrition or eating habits
- Being overweight
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Skipping dental cleanings
- Medications
- Family history
- Stress
- Hormone fluctuations
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
Your Next Step
Ask what the examination shows and which home care and follow up schedule fit your needs.
Appointment requests are confirmed by our team. This article does not replace an individual examination.
