Your Dentist in Coatesville Says Your Gums Reveal These 5 Things

Is it possible that your gums reveal information about the condition of your overall and oral health? Your dentist in Coatesville says they do and encourages you to always pay close attention to the way they look, feel and respond to different types of every-day functions like eating and brushing your teeth. As you read on, you’ll learn about 5 things that you can determine about oral health by paying more attention to your soft tissue.

What Pale Gums Reveal

If you notice that your gums look pale, then it could be a sign that your body isn’t producing enough red blood cells. One of the possible causes of this is a lack of vitamin B12 and iron, which could lead to weakness, dizziness and fatigue.

A way to address this at home is to incorporate more foods like beef, beans and spinach into your daily food intake.

Swollen Gums Could Mean This

There can be several contributors to having swollen gums, including the following:

• Medications – Certain prescription medications for conditions like epilepsy, seizure and high blood pressure can cause your gums to become swollen. Providing a list of your current medications for your dentist at your next visit will open an avenue for more clarity on why you’re having this problem. You can then follow up with your physician about any possible adjustments that can be made to your medications.
• Gum Disease – Swollen gums can also be a sign of the early stages of periodontal (gum) disease, where bacteria have worked their way beneath the gumline and caused irritation and infection. Your local dentist can diagnose your situation and determine what the best treatment method is.

Red, Sore Gums are Warning You

One of the possible causes of red and sore gums that bleed easily is type 2 diabetes. This disease lessens the body’s ability to defend itself and heal, which then leads to prolonged irritation. To compound the problem, the saliva that would usually work to defend your oral health, works contrary to it by bathing your teeth in glucose-laden fluids. If your dentist notices these warning signs, then he or she will suggest that you visit your doctor as soon as possible to have the proper tests done.

White Sores Should Lead You Here

During a routine visit, your family dentist in Coatesville will be on the lookout for white or red lesions around and inside your mouth. This can be a reaction to a canker sore or a sign of a more serious problem – oral cancer. If the latter is suspected, your dentist may suggest that a biopsy be taken.

Receding Gums

If your gums seem to be getting shorter and your teeth longer, it could be a sign of periodontal disease. This is brought on by bacteria seeping beneath the gumline and invading the pockets between your soft tissue and the roots of your teeth. Depending on the severity of your situation, your dentist may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure to rid your mouth of the infection and rejuvenate your gums.

No matter what the issue is, the prime directive is to always be vigilant when it comes to your oral and overall health and the appearance of your gums. Then, to maximize your level of protection, be sure to maintain regular visits to your local dentist to have the assurance of being in the capable care of a trained professional.

About the Author

The founder of Chester County Dental Arts, Dr. Mark Simeone has been practicing dentistry for over 15 years. His drive to constantly learn more has led him to seek more knowledge in his post-doctoral capacity and to maintain membership in several professional organizations. Dr. Simeone can be reached for more information through his website.