Protect Your Heart This February: 3 Gum Disease Warning Signs to Never Ignore

Over 40% of adults aged 30 or older in the United States face gum disease. But common doesn’t mean “no big deal.” Gum disease is linked with a range of serious issues, from tooth loss to heart disease. 

Knowing the signs to look out for can go a long way toward salvaging your oral health now and into the future. 

Our expert team at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, provides periodontal treatments, including scaling and root planing, to protect your gums and save your teeth. If one of the following gum disease signs seems all too familiar, it’s time for an exam.

1. Inflammation and bleeding

Gum disease happens when a hardened film of bacteria forms plaque. It releases irritating toxins that cause inflammation and bleeding. 

Swollen gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss are common signs of gingivitis, the mildest and only preventable form of gum disease.

Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to more severe forms of gum disease. Taking inflamed and bleeding gums seriously protects you from severe complications, like tooth loss, and even reverses the disease.

2. Recessed gums and loose teeth

As gum disease advances, your inflamed gums will pull away from your teeth. Beyond smile changes, gum recession can expose a tooth’s root. When that happens, you’ll probably experience sensitivity to cold, foods, and drinks. 

When recessed gums are ignored, you risk losing teeth. By this point, you have the advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis, the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

You can develop these gum disease signs without severe pain or swelling. Because they come on gradually, you might not notice until it’s too late.

3. Throbbing pain and discharge

If your gum disease causes sudden, throbbing pain and visible white or yellow pus, you may have a periodontal abscess. This painful pocket can also cause redness, swelling, and bad breath, even after you brush your teeth or chew gum. You might develop a fever, too.

In addition to general gum disease treatment, a periodontal abscess requires prompt draining, cleaning, and antibiotics. Left ignored, periodontal abscesses can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis or an infection in your brain, jaw, or heart.

Protecting your gums 

It’s never too early to seek gum disease treatment, and delays can harm your health and well-being. 

Routine checkups and cleanings help by lowering your risk of plaque buildup and allowing our team to detect gum disease before you notice symptoms. We can also guide you through smart hygiene habits to lower your risk.

To learn more or get started with compassionate care, contact Swinney Dental today.