April 1, 2019

artists' rendering of the stages of gum diseaseApril Fool’s Day is upon us, but you do not need to be fooled when it comes to the state of your oral health. Many people believe the primary sign of gum disease is bleeding gums. They erroneously conclude that if their gums are not bleeding, then their mouth is healthy. This is not always the case, and there are a few reasons why you might still have gum disease even though your gums are not bleeding.

Not All Symptoms Include Bleeding

There are other indications that you could be suffering from gum disease without seeing any blood. The gums may look redder than usual or swollen. Your teeth could be discolored or covered in plaque and tartar buildup. You could also be suffering from bad breath. Each of these things is indicative of an oral health problem, which could be the beginnings of gum disease or an advanced case.

Smoking Can Also Cover Symptoms

If you are a smoker, you may realize that the nicotine and tobacco tend to dry out your mouth. It also shrinks the blood vessels, which can make it harder for blood to flow where it usually would. This includes your gums. If you did not smoke, it is possible that your gums would bleed, providing you with an important sign that you need to see a dental professional.

Regular Checkups Are Necessary

Even if you are a healthy individual with a good twice-daily oral hygiene routine, you can still develop gum disease. This is why it is crucial for you to keep your regular dental checkups with Dr. Jeremy Jones and the staff at Dentistry of Fishers. Regular checkups will help us to spot the signs of gum disease and start treatment before it advances.

Call Us Today

While bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease, you can still suffer from this ailment even when you do not see blood. Schedule your dental checkup with Dr. Jones today by contacting our dental office in Fishers, IN.

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