This article discusses the various symptoms of gum infection and disease in order to raise awareness and encourage potential sufferers to seek prompt treatment.

Take a look at your teeth in the mirror. See anything to be alarmed about? No? Well, apparently you’re not looking hard enough! According to statistics released by the Center for Disease Control, a staggering 80% of all Americans present with some form or stage of oral bacterial infection! So… odds are…

But how can this be true? Surely, you’d be aware of an infection in your mouth if you had one! This highlights one of the greatest problems with gum infections and diseases, explain qualified and experienced dentists in Colorado Springs, Dr. Morgan and Dr. Rogers. They rarely present with pain. And there is no greater catalyst for action than pain and discomfort! It is because of this that patients can quite easily ignore gum problems for weeks, months and even years! It is only when the more serious symptoms – such as tooth loss, gum recession and the development of oral lesions – start kicking in that people finally book themselves an appointment. In order to reduce the prevalence of gum infection and disease, people need to know what the early symptoms are, say dentists in Colorado Springs. They also need to understand the importance of good oral hygiene and regular professional attention as a part of a sound preventative healthcare regime.

Dentists in Colorado Springs: The Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease and Infection

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of gum problems begins with an understanding of what is normal, explain dentists in Colorado Springs. Just because your mouth doesn’t look like this (see below image) doesn’t mean you don’t have a problem (and if it does, it’s time you booked a dental appointment!)

Dentists in Colorado Springs: Initial Signs

First of all, your gums should be a light pink color, not red or any color close to red. Inflammation is an indication of infection, say dentists in Colorado Springs, and so you should seek prompt attention. Secondly, your gums should be firm and neatly border the top of the tooth crown. Swollen, spongy gums that have encroached abnormally onto the tooth crown or, conversely, receded from the crown revealing the darker root beneath is indicative of gum infection and disease. Also – and this is something patients always misdiagnose – it is not normal for your gums to bleed when you brush them, stress dentists in Colorado Springs. Bacterial infection weakens the soft tissue in the mouth, making it tear more easily when brushing or eating. Try brushing softer, advise dentists in Colorado Springs. If your gums still bleed when brushing, then you could have an infection in which case you should seek prompt treatment. Another symptom of infection is bad breath, so if you suspect you have a problem, ask a close friend or relative whether you have a problem with halitosis.

Dentists in Colorado Springs: Advanced Signs

As an oral bacterial infection progresses, becoming acute and chronic, the symptoms can become more aggressive and may include any of the following in any combination:

•Swollen, sensitive gums

•Inflammation

•The development of oral lesions

•Tooth discoloration

•Looseness of your teeth

•Tooth loss

•Chronic bad breath

•A bad taste in your mouth

A Final Note from Dentists in Colorado Springs, Dr. Morgan and Dr. Rogers

Seeking prompt treatment for an oral bacterial infection will essentially preserve the longevity of your teeth, explain dentists in Colorado Springs, Dr. Morgan and Dr. Rogers. Which comes hand in hand with all those things we usually take for granted, including your oral health, bite functionality and the self-confidence that comes with having a healthy and naturally beautiful smile.