What Your Gums Are Trying to Tell You

What Your Gums Are Trying to Tell You

Do you ever notice little red spots when you floss or brush your teeth? Are your gums not in the same position as they were in the years past? There are a few clues to look for that your gums are trying to tell you something.  

Bleeding

Remember this: No matter what you have heard or try to rationalize, bleeding gums are never normal. Lack of proper home care leads to bacterial colonies that cause infection. This infection can be reversed if you change your habits and follow good dental hygiene recommendations. Keeping this in mind, bleeding gums can also be a sign of a much larger problem. Often times we see that medical conditions are strongly linked to symptoms noticed in the mouth. Heart disease, diabetes, hormonal disruptions and vitamin deficiencies can all have effects on our mouths.

Receding

When you look at your teeth in the mirror, you should be able to see mostly the crowns of your teeth. That means that not much root will be showing in a healthy situation. Just like bleeding gums, receding gums can mean you have some serious dental issues. Periodontal disease, poor alignment and faulty dental work can all cause gums to back away from their ideal position. Although brushing too hard can cause some recession, it really gets a bad reputation. The lack of toothbrush stimulation can cause way more damage than brushing too well.

Changing Colors

Healthy gum tissue is usually light pink and generally has a consistent shade with the occasional pigment here and there. Distinct variations in color can mean something as simple as a piece of tartar below the gumline or an issue as serious as oral cancer. Instead of taking a chance by waiting, let us know if you see any unusual changes in your gum tissue color. Careful and thorough dental examinations can actually save lives.

The very best way to determine what your gums are trying to tell you is to visit your dental team on a regular basis. At Daxon Dentistry, our goal is to help our patients find and resolve minor issues before they become more serious and costly.

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