You would think that if a part of your body had an infection, you would know it. Most of the time, that is an accurate statement. However if you suffer from mild gingivitis, you may be completely unaware of the problem. The disease gingivitis is virtually painless and undetectable for the patient unless they pay careful attention to the warning signs. The best thing to do is prevent gingivitis in the first place, but considering that over 80% have some form of the disease, that’s easier said than done. Take a look at a few of the early symptoms and get yourself to a dentist if any of them apply to you.
- chronic bad breath
- bleeding gums
- tender gums
When we are talking about chronic bad breath, no one means the kind that happens after a hamburger complete with raw onions on top. No, this type of bad breath refers to the kind that you can’t get rid of no matter what you do. Bad breath of this nature is a warning sign that your gums are being attacked by bacteria that will eventually cause you more problems than just having funky breath. If left untreated, gingivitis can trigger a host of problems, like gum disease, that you would rather avoid.
It doesn’t matter what you may have heard; bleeding gums is never a good sign. It doesn’t mean you are brushing too hard. It means your gums are weakened and are trying to let you know there is a problem. When the gums are infected with bacteria, they naturally begin to break down and lose their grip on the surface of the teeth. This is causing the bleeding during your teeth brushing process. Don’t think it will get better, it won’t. Seek dental help as soon as possible.
Another clear sign that gingivitis is affecting your oral health is when you notice that your gums are tender. The chances are very good that you will only notice this symptom when you brush your teeth or touch your gums with your finger or tongue. Hard foods like chips or raw vegetables may become uncomfortable as well. In the early stages, the cure for gingivitis isn’t difficult and you can eliminate the problem with minimal effort. Make sure you make an appointment soon or begin searching for a product to assist your body in killing the bacteria in your mouth.
Mild gingivitis is easy to get rid of. All it takes is a little observation on your part and a visit to the dentist. Just pay attention to the signs before jumping to conclusions, but one sign to be fearful of is a dry mouth. A dry mouth is the beginning sign of bacteria ruining your oral health.
