Are You Ignoring the Signs of Gum Disease?

Did you know that gum disease (periodontitis) is the leading cause of tooth-loss in adults over the age of 30?

That's right - tooth loss is not an inevitable part of aging. Rather, it's something you can easily prevent . . . provided you recognize the signs early enough.

Here are the top 4 indications of gum disease that Dr. Gabriela Duares wants you to know about.

1. Bleeding When You Floss Or Brush

Healthy gums should not bleed when gently brushed or flossed. Lots of bleeding is a sign that your gums are swollen from expanded blood vessels that develop when inflamed.

2. Persistent Bad Breath

If your family members are complaining about your breath, your issue could run deeper than a social faux pas. Rotting gums create a very unique stench that is hard to cover up. If you're struggling with bad breath, it could be resulting from the breakdown of tissues around your teeth.

3. Gum Recession

Receded gums can be the result of a lot of things: oral habits, genetics, and braces, to name a few. But one common contributor is simply gum inflammation. Once periodontitis sets in, it can trigger changes in the tissue that cause your gums to pull away from your teeth.

4. Puffy, Red Gums

Healthy gums fit nice and snugly around teeth. If your gums seem to be redder than they used to be or look like they are ballooning around your teeth, that's a sure sign they're irritated.

Pay attention to signs that your gums are losing the fight. You can take action to get them healthy before your teeth become loose!

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