Signs Your Gums Are Infected
Gum infections are hard to go unnoticed. So, if you have periodontitis or gingivitis, you'll know. The problem comes when you ignore the signs of gum infection. Knowing the telltale signs should help you act fast before the condition gets out of hand. So, here are some symptoms of a gum infection.
Bleeding Gums
Gums shouldn't bleed unless you have an injury or an infection. Of course, your gums can bleed if you brush too hard or misuse a toothpick. However, if your gums bleed when eating or without any impact, you might have a problem. Infected gums bleed easily due to the soreness. So, don't ignore the bleeding because it might get worse.
Bad Breath
Bad breath is another sign you must never ignore. So, if you have been struggling to get rid of bad breath with no success, get your gums checked. Most cases of bad breath can be solved by brushing your teeth often and getting a professional dental cleaning. But if you have tried all that with no success, you might have a gum infection. Gum disease treatment might be the only solution to your halitosis problem.
Receding Gums
Your gums should only recede if you have a gum problem or are getting old. So, if you see your gum line receding, seek medical help from your local dentist. Luckily, gum recession is hard not to notice.
When gum recession happens, your tooth becomes more exposed, ruining your smile. Besides, the recession leaves gaps between the gum line and teeth. This space can harbor disease-causing bacteria. Therefore, it's good to get early treatment before things get out of hand.
Presence of Pus
Pus coming from your gums isn't normal. It is a sign that you have periodontitis and the infection is a bit advanced. So, any more delays will cause a lot of complications. You might start to experience pain in your gums, making it difficult for you to eat. And for your own good, you shouldn't self-medicate with antibiotics before seeing a dentist.
Swollen or Tender Gums
Swollen and tender gums are the first signs of gum infections. In the early days, you'll notice that your gums are reddish and appear to be swollen. Getting gum disease treatment at this stage should help stop the infection. Besides, you'll heal pretty fast if you receive early treatment. Ignoring the swollen and tender gums will expose them to bleeding. So, don't wait for the gums to start bleeding or oozing pus for you to see a dentist.
Contact a local dental service to learn more.