When it comes to oral health, many of us immediately think about our teeth. But gum health is important, too.
Healthy gums provide a firm foundation for your teeth while also warding off cavities and other problems affecting the lower parts of your teeth. On the other hand, unhealthy gums can lead to gum disease, serious infections, tooth loss, and problems that can affect your overall health, too.
The team at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC wants our patients to enjoy optimal gum health at every age. Here, learn about some common and not-so-common symptoms that could mean your gums could benefit from a visit with our team.
While tooth sensitivity can definitely be related to a tooth problem, like a cavity, it can also be a sign of gum problems. If your gum tissue is irritated or inflamed, it can lead to sensitivity, too. Receding gums are a major cause of tooth sensitivity when they expose the lower parts of your teeth.
In addition to tooth sensitivity, tooth pain is another possible sign of gum problems. Throbbing tooth pain affecting one or several teeth could be a symptom of a gum infection or a pus-filled abscess in a lower portion of your gum tissue, especially if you also have a sour taste in your mouth or the gum tissue is swollen.
Speaking of swelling, infections or abscesses can also cause visible swelling on your face or cheeks. Often accompanied by tenderness or even fever, face or jaw swelling is a clear indication that an underlying infection has become more advanced and is invading other areas.
Mild bleeding during brushing and flossing is fairly common, but that doesn’t mean they’re not serious issues. This type of bleeding is often an indicator of an early stage of gum disease, and without treatment, it can lead to serious infections and tooth loss. Bleeding accompanied by pain or swelling can indicate an ongoing infection that needs immediate care. Some types of recurrent or persistent bleeding can be caused by other problems, like oral cancer.
Healthy gums are light pink, with the tissue appearing firm. If your gums are red or any other color, or if you have white or discolored spots on your gums, it’s definitely time to schedule a visit. These changes can indicate infections, oral cancer, or other health problems.
Pus is a collection of dead tissue, white blood cells, and other byproducts of infection. Typically appearing whitish or yellowish, pus can be accompanied by gum bleeding, tooth pain, or swelling, and it’s a definite sign of infection.
While your teeth are anchored inside your jawbone, advanced gum disease can lead to tooth root weakening. If you have a tooth that feels loose or otherwise feels like it’s moved out of its normal position, call the office right away to schedule an evaluation.
Occasional bad breath that clears up with brushing is typically nothing to worry about. But chronic bad breath can be a sign of gum disease, gum infection, or other oral health problems, including dry mouth.
If you have a persistent sour or unpleasant taste in your mouth, it can be a sign of bacterial buildup or pus leakage from an infection in your gum or tooth. Like chronic bad breath, a bad taste that lingers despite good oral hygiene should be evaluated by our team.
If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms affecting your teeth or your gums, prompt treatment is essential. To learn how we can help, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.
