- Puffy gum tissues. Gums that are bright pink and puffy along the gum line are an early indication of gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease. They may intrude over the natural teeth or even brackets of braces.
- Red or purple gum tissue. Bright red or even purple gums are a sign of infection and should not be ignored. An evaluation should be made to look for other indications that gum disease is present.
- Tender or sore gums. While there may be a few reasons why the gums may be sore or tender, such as issues that might also be hormone-related, irritation from dentures or braces, or even from brushing too hard, it can be a sign of periodontal disease if none of these apply.
- Bleeding gums. If you brush and floss and notice blood, it may be due to brushing too hard or flossing too deep into the gum tissues. If not, it is a clear indication of periodontal disease.
- A pink tinge on your toothbrush bristles. Even if you do not notice your gum tissues bleeding, tinging of blood on the toothbrush should also not be ignored.
- Chronic bad breath. If you struggle to keep bad breath under control, even with regular brushing and avoiding foods and beverages known for causing bad breath, it may indicate that you have halitosis connected with gum disease.
What should I do if I suspect I have periodontal disease?
If you live in the area of Edison, NJ, and believe you may be showing the signs of gum disease, it is critical that you connect with your dentist as soon as possible to get an evaluation. Drs. Brad Strober and Rebecca Kucharsky Hiess of Gentle Dental Care are committed to providing patients in the community with general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry to suit their needs. Call 732-549-5660 to request an appointment.
