Your Dentist in Carrollton Gives 5 Reasons to Examine Your Gums

While keeping your teeth in good condition is very important, the gums often don’t get enough attention. Without proper gum health, it doesn’t matter how healthy your teeth are. In order for your teeth to stay in your mouth, your gums need to be maintained, so daily examinations are essential to manage your diet and smile.

The next time you start your daily oral care routine, keep an eye out for these five signs that your gums are trying to tell you something. If you have any of them, you’ll want to visit your dentist in Carrollton.

Red or Sore Gums

Healthy gums should have a light pink appearance. If they ever appear red, feel sore, or bleed easily, it means that their ability to heal quickly has become compromised. Even if you brush and floss daily, gums can appear this way, usually if you have type 2 diabetes. When saliva is high in glucose, it feeds oral bacteria, causing inflammation, and eventually gum disease.

White Spots on Gums

Oral cancer is a very deadly disease that often gets discovered in the late stages. Early detection is the key to successfully treating and surviving the disease, so you’ll want to do monthly self-exams and check for red or white lesions on the gums. Patches or lumps of abnormal tissue can be indicators of oral cancer. Of course, they could also be a simple canker sore or allergic reaction, but you won’t know for sure until you visit your dentist.

Swollen Gums

If you’re gums become puffy or bleed while brushing, you’ll want to take a closer look at the label on your medications. If you’re currently taking medications for high blood pressure, epilepsy, or seizures, be sure to tell your dentist as they may recommend you switch to other medications or double up on your brushing and flossing routine. Visit your dentist to confirm it isn’t gum disease.

Pale Gums

Anemia occurs when your body isn’t producing enough red blood cells. Gums that appeal paler than usual could be a sign that they are anemic or deficient in nutrients. If your gums are lighter than the healthy pink color we mentioned earlier, you may need to include more B12 and iron in your diet. Furthermore, if you ever have bouts of dizziness, weakness, or fatigue, talk to your doctor.

Receding Gums

Periodontal (gum) disease is all too common in the United States. If you notice your teeth appearing longer than normal and pockets forming around gums, it’s a sign that gum disease is developing. Gum disease puts you at risk for other more serious diseases, including heart disease, dementia, and low birthweight. Make a trip to your dentist as soon as possible to receive gum therapy and get your oral health back on track.

People need to give as much attention to their gums as they do their teeth! If you notice any of these symptoms with no signs of improvement, schedule an appointment with your family dentist in Carrollton today!

About the Author

Dr. Durga Devarakonda started her dental career at a pediatric dental clinic before transitioning to other practices specializing in general and geriatric dentistry. This gives her the unique ability to identify and treat gum disease in patients of all ages. To learn more about her preventive treatments and practice, contact her through her website.