Good morning everyone! Today’s post is a little different from the ones we usually publish on this blog, but the information we have put together for you is no less interesting for it. So pay attention, because in under two minutes you will know what the problem with inflamed gums is and how to spot gum disease that needs medical attention. Ready? Let’s begin!
Cleaning your teeth is a daily job we all have to do after every meal, but as we always say… do not forget your gums! At our practice we always tell our patients that after brushing their teeth they should also brush the junction between tooth and gum at an angle of about 45 degrees. This keeps plaque from building up on the gums and leading to periodontal disease.
Inflamed gums: how do you know if they are unhealthy?
- The first warning sign that something is wrong in your mouth is inflamed gums. If your gums look too red and that redness does not go away within a couple of days, we are talking about gum inflammation, so you should see your dentist for a general check-up. The specialist will probably prescribe a cleaning and your condition will improve, but you should see the dentist so they can check that everything is fine.
- Another symptom related to red gums is their increased volume. It is a clear sign of poor oral health and means you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
- The mucosa of our gums usually has an orange-peel appearance, that is, a stippled look. If we look closely at our gums we will see small dimples like those on an orange, and that is a sign of good oral health. Do not be alarmed if you cannot see that orange peel in your mirror, since only a dentist can spot it. Your specialist will use this, along with other signs, to determine the health of your gums.
- Another symptom that may make you suspect your dental health is not what it should be is bleeding gums. This symptom is the most alarming and the one that gets us to the dentist fastest. If the gums bleed continuously, our body is warning us that something is not right.
- More of the neck of the tooth on show. What do we mean by that? It is simple: if you look closely at your gums, can you see more of the lower part of the tooth than you should? If so, your gums are receding, because the tissue has pulled back and stopped doing its job of covering the tooth and therefore protecting it. When this happens our tooth sensitivity increases. An even more serious consequence is losing teeth.
Now that you know the most serious symptoms of inflamed gums, it is in your hands to put things right and look after them well, so you can enjoy stable, long-lasting oral health. All you have to do is click here and come and see us.
