Are Your Gums Changing? Signs You Need To See The Dentist

Your gums are an integral part of your oral health. When your gums are in good health, your teeth are in good health, and vice versa. The role of your gums in your mouth is this: to protect the roots and nerves of your teeth and to hold your teeth in place. When your gums fail, your oral health can decline as well.

Changes in your gums should be brought to the attention of your dentist. If you have oral health concerns, your dentist will be able to assist you. Here are things to look out for when it comes to your gum health; let your dentist know if you have any of the following changes in your gums.

Darkening gums

Your gums should be a natural pink or light red. If your gums are getting darker, especially around the base of your teeth, you may be seeing the beginnings of gingivitis. Take a mirror and look behind your gums: they should be a similar light red or pink as the front part of your gums. If you see your gums looking purple, near-black, or just a deep red, call your dentist so you can get an exam.

Receding gums

As gingivitis or gum decay continues, the gums can pull away from the teeth. Pull your lower lip out and see how long your teeth look. If your teeth appear longer than usual or your gum line appears to be uneven, then receding gums may be an issue. Since receding gums cannot be reversed without doing a gum graft or other more extreme dental care procedure, it's important to discover what is causing your gums to recede now.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums can be caused by brushing your teeth too hard with a hard toothbrush, hormones, or other issues. Bleeding gums can also be caused by bacteria in the gums and infection. If your gums are unhealthy, you will notice that your gums bleed more frequently or are in pain when irritated. Your dentist can give you a prescription mouthwash to help battle sensitive gums and can give you a deeper dental cleaning to help eradicate the bacteria that is causing much of your problems.

With any of the above signs of gum disease, you may also have bad breath. If you have a history of gum disease or you have concerns about your oral health in general, make an appointment with your dentist right away. Your dentist can schedule you for a periodontal cleaning.