Did you know that about 50 percent of American adults above the age of 30 have an advanced form of gum disease? At first, this statistic may not seem serious or worrisome, but when you consider the strong connection between gum disease and the increased risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and certain kinds of cancer, this high number of affected people rises in importance. As with many other infections, the sooner gum disease is identified and treated, the better! But how can you detect the first stage (called gingivitis) if you aren’t a trained dentist? Here are some early signs of gingivitis to look for!
You See Pink in the Sink
One of the first abnormal things people tend to notice is a streak of pink when they spit out after brushing their teeth. Although it’s not much, viewing blood in your mouth can be disconcerting. If you see this in your toothpaste in the sink when you brush or on your floss, it could point to early gum disease. Gingivitis-causing bacteria aggravate the gum tissue, easily releasing a small amount of blood, which typically turns pink against the white bubbles of toothpaste. Keep in mind that you could also see this symptom because of brushing too aggressively, but it is worth having your dentist check it out to make sure your gums aren’t infected.
Your Gums Are Red and Swollen
Healthy gums have a light pink shade and feel firm. On the other hand, darker pink or red gums that are swollen or full clearly indicate inflammation in the tissue. As a result of the infection and its effect, your gums may also be extra sensitive, making brushing or flossing uncomfortable.
Your Dentist Diagnoses Gingivitis
You don’t have to be an expert to feel confident about your gum health. You may not notice subtle changes or potential issues in your mouth, but your dentist will! While they examine you every six months for cavities, they also check your gums for these and worse signs of infection. If they recognize a problem, they can show you what it looks like and provide treatment to get rid of gingivitis.
If you don’t want to put your smile or your overall health at risk, you must keep a close eye on your oral well-being, including watching for these signs and trusting a professional partner. If you continue to practice healthy oral hygiene every day and go to the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings, the infection shouldn’t get far—if you get it at all!
About the Practice
Williamsburg Dental is concerned about the entire well-being of our patients, not just oral health. As a result, we monitor your entire oral cavity for various issues like cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and more. Our compassionate team is available throughout the Lincoln area with six locations. If you haven’t had a dental checkup and cleaning for more than six months, it’s time to schedule it and make sure your gums can support a strong smile. Contact one of our offices to get back on track!