5 Signs Your Gums Are Trying to Tell You Something Serious

One of the most commonly shared pieces of advice about dental health (and health in general) is to listen to the messages your body is sending you. There’s a reason this guidance is so popular: It’s a straightforward and reliable way to stay on top of changes and preserve a healthy smile between routine dental exams. 

When it comes to your gum tissue, paying close attention to the way your gums look, feel, and function can help you detect gum disease in the early stages, when treatment is often most effective. The team at Periodontist of Weston is happy to take some time to discuss the symptoms of periodontal disease (gum disease) and how to interpret the messages your gums might be sending your way. 

While we love welcoming new patients to our offices in Weston, Miramar, Cooper City, and Pembroke Pines, Florida, we’d actually prefer to play a role in preventing gum disease. That said, if you need top-quality care for any gum health issues, we’re here to help. 

So, let’s look at some of the ways your gums might be crying out for help, and how you should respond. 

1. You’re seeing red (or pink) in the sink

It’s helpful to pay close attention to what comes out of your mouth when you brush or floss. Not only is it incredibly gratifying to see the food particles that flossing can dislodge, but checking the sink can let you know if your gums are bleeding during your oral hygiene routine. 

Healthy gums don’t bleed unless they’re subjected to some form of trauma, like being scratched or poked with an unexpected hard food item, or if you’re brushing a bit too aggressively. 

If you’re seeing a tinge of pink or red when you spit after brushing or flossing, that’s a sign that your gums are inflamed. It might be an indicator of gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. 

2. Your breath is less than ideal

We all have bouts of bad breath. Whether it’s the aftereffects of a deliciously garlic-laden meal or the result of a bout of dry mouth, bad breath happens to everyone at some point. 

But persistent bad breath could be a sign that your oral microbiome has fallen out of balance. Too much bacteria in your mouth, or the wrong mix of microorganisms, can produce gases that cause or contribute to bad breath. 

And a microbiome that’s out of balance often goes hand-in-hand with gum disease. Once your gums are inflamed to the point they begin to pull away from the surface of your teeth, they create tiny pockets where germs can thrive. So give yourself a breath check every so often to catch changes as soon as possible. 

3. Aching or pain while chewing

One of the functions of gum tissue is to help hold your teeth in place. While the roots of your teeth are anchored within your bone tissue, your gums surround them and deliver additional support. 

When gum disease progresses, it can weaken the connection between teeth and gums, and that can cause discomfort when you bite or chew. Unless you’re eating foods that are abnormally hard or chewy, your teeth shouldn’t hurt during mealtime. 

4. Your gums look darker than normal

Healthy gum tissue is a bright shade of pink. If you notice that your gums have darkened or taken on an abnormally red or purplish color, don’t ignore these changes. Gum tissue that’s darker than normal, or any color other than pink, could indicate gum disease. 

It’s a good idea to make a habit of inspecting all of your oral tissues often. You can see some of your gum tissue when you smile, but using a light and perhaps a small dental mirror will give you a great view of your gums, both in front of and behind your teeth. 

5. Changes in your bite

One of the signs of advanced periodontal disease, which is called periodontitis, is a shift in the way your teeth are aligned. This happens when your gum tissue can no longer help keep your teeth in position, and when the connection between your teeth and jawbone begins to weaken. 

Adults who aren’t in active orthodontic treatment shouldn’t notice changes in their bite, which is the way your upper and lower teeth fit together when you bite down. If you feel that your teeth have shifted out of their normal alignment, come in for a diagnostic visit right away. Not only can advanced gum disease lead to tooth loss, but changes in your bite can damage your teeth. 

Listen to your gums for lifelong periodontal health

Your gum tissue is renewing itself continually, and it will send clear messages if gum disease develops. When you pay attention to these changes, you’ll have the information you need to improve your dental hygiene habits or seek professional treatment. 

Routine dental exams are also important. Your dentist is trained to detect the early stages of gum disease and can advise you on the best treatment options. Many of our patients come to the Periodontist of Weston office on the recommendation of their dentist. 

If you need our services, you can reach us online or over the phone at 954-385-9599 to schedule a visit.