Gums are quite an important part of your mouth and your overall health. They help to ensure and keep your teeth in place and to protect your teeth and jawbone from infection. When your gums are healthy, they fit snugly around your teeth and provide a barrier against bacteria and other harmful substances.
But when your gums are unhealthy, they can pull away from your teeth, leaving gaps where bacteria can enter. This can lead to infections, tooth loss, and other serious health problems. That’s why it’s so important to address any gum problems you may have and to keep your gums healthy.
One way of taking care of your dental health is looking out for apparent symptoms and bringing them up with a dental professional. Here are several symptoms of unhealthy gums and dental health:
1) Inflammation
If your gums are redder or more tender than usual, it could be a clear sign of inflammation. The swelling could be caused by gingivitis, which is an early form of gum disease. Gingivitis is usually caused by plaque, which is a build-up of bacteria on your teeth. If you have gingivitis, the gums may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.
2) Metal Taste
If you have an unusual taste in your mouth, it could be a sign of a dental problem. A metal taste in your mouth is usually a sign that you have a cavity. A cavity is an apparent hole in a tooth that is caused by decay. Cavities can cause pain and can also lead to gum disease and ache. This can be a serious condition, so you must visit your dentist as soon as possible.
3) Gum Bleeding
Speaking of metal taste, such a condition could be a sign of gum bleeding and indicate unhealthy gums. Gum bleeding can be caused by a number of things, including brushing your teeth too hard, using a toothbrush with hard bristles, or flossing too aggressively. If your gum bleeding is due to one of these things, your dentist can help you find a way to avoid it in the future.
4) Bad Breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can signify a number of dental problems. If you have bad breath, it could be a sign of gum disease, tooth decay, or even dry mouth, which can lead to other conditions in the long run. If you have bad breath, you should see your dentist to find out the cause and to get treatment.
5) Excess Saliva
If you have excessive saliva, it could be a sign of a condition called ptyalism. Ptyalism is a condition that can be caused by different factors, including pregnancy, acid reflux, anxiety, or a side effect of certain medications. If you have ptyalism, this could be a signifier of unhealthy gums. It’s best to seek out the cause and devise a treatment plan.
6) Loose Teeth
If you have loose teeth, this could indicate a number of different things. It could be a clear sign of periodontal disease, which is an infection of the gums. It could also be a sign of teeth grinding, which can wear down your teeth over time. Either way, it’s best to get this addressed and achieve proper treatment for the teeth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to address unhealthy gums and dental health for several reasons. Taking care of your gums and teeth is important not only for your oral health but for your overall health as well.
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