According to the CDC, nearly 50% of Americans over the age of 30 have periodontal disease. This is equivalent to nearly 64.7 million Americans. Learning the symptoms of gum disease is important for early treatment to prevent the onset of bone loss and tooth loss. Dr. Ken and Dr. Marnie Collins in Spokane Valley are elite dentists here to help you identify common symptoms of gum disease and treat it early.
blonde woman picks at her teeth with her finger in front of a mirror

1. Bleeding and Inflamed Gums

If you brush or floss your teeth and it causes your gums to bleed, this is one of the earliest symptoms of gum disease. If your gums also look bright red and inflamed this is also an indicator that gum disease may be prevalent in your mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our dentists as soon as possible so we can treat you. When caught early, treating gum disease is easy. Sometimes a deep cleaning or root planing and scaling is the only treatment you need to fight against further development of gum disease.

2. Gum Pain, Loose Teeth, and Gum Sores

Another major symptom of gum disease you shouldn’t ignore is gum pain. If your gums feel painful to touch, this is a major warning sign. It’s even worse if you also notice sores on your gums or your teeth are becoming loose. Loose teeth generally occur in later stages of gum disease once the bone mass in your jaw begins to disappear. Unless you experience physical trauma to your mouth, loose teeth are not a common occurrence in adulthood. Gum pain or sores might also be a sign of oral cancer. If you notice any of these symptoms, please visit us to get checked out as soon as possible.

3. Health Problems Related to Gum Disease

Believe it or not, gum disease affects more than just your oral health. It can also affect your heart health. If you have cardiovascular disease, have had a stroke or heart attack, or have been warned by your doctor about your heart health, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to your gum health. Gum disease can increase your risks for heart problems as well as diabetes.

If you’re concerned about the health of your gums or have any of the symptoms listed above, please schedule an appointment with our dentists at Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics in Spokane Valley by calling (509) 927-2273.