Symptoms of Gum Disease

According to a recent study from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over half of adults in the United States over the age of 30 currently have gum disease. It is important to familiarize yourself with gum disease symptoms so you can seek dental care to prevent gum disease from occurring or developing. Often, you can be unaware of the presence of gum disease since it is usually painless and not visible during early stages. There are common signs that indicate you may have developed gum disease. If you experienced any of the following symptoms, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment to see if you currently have gum disease:

• Bleeding after brushing or flossing
• Persistent halitosis
• Loose tooth or teeth
• Swollen gums
• Changes in fit of bite
• Pockets between gums and teeth

What are the Different Types of Gum Disease?

There are two different stages of gum disease, both of which are caused by improper oral care. The first stage is gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease characterized by inflammation of the gums, which is caused by the buildup of plaque and calculus (tartar) on the teeth. Periodontitis is the more advanced form of gingivitis, and is characterized by the development of pockets and infections within the bone tissue, which can result in teeth becoming loose or even falling out.

Common Gum Disease Symptoms in Women

Periodontal health issues can uniquely affect woman in the following circumstances.

• Puberty: As a woman begins going through puberty, she will experience an increase in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which will cause an increase in blood circulation around the gums. This increased circulation can result in increased gum sensitivity, which can result in irritation and swollen or tender gums.
• Menstruation: It is not uncommon for women to experience situational gingivitis around the time of their menstruation. This generally occurs right before a woman’s period and will resolve itself shortly after the period has begun.
• Pregnancy: Some studies suggest that pregnant women who are suffering from periodontal disease are more likely to give birth prematurely.
• Menopause and Post-Menopause: Some women going through menopause notice mouth discomfort, such and pain or burning in the gum or dry mouth. Many women find taking estrogen supplements helps alleviate these symptoms.

Common Gum Disease Symptoms in Men

Research shows that periodontal health issues are considerably more common in men than women, and can uniquely affect men in the following circumstances.

• Prostate Health: Men who experience symptoms of periodontal disease, including swollen, red, or tender gums have higher levels of Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which suggests that there may be a correlation between prostate health and periodontal health.
• Heart Disease: Research heavily suggests that because both diseases are inflammatory conditions, developing periodontal disease likely increases a male’s risk of also developing cardiovascular disease.
• Impotence: Because prolonged inflammation results in damage to the blood vessels, which in turn can lead to impotence, it is believe that men suffering from periodontal disease are at a greater risk of developing impotence.
• Cancer: Research shows that men who have suffered from gingivitis or periodontitis are overall nearly 15% more likely to develop cancer. Compared to women, men with gum disease are nearly 30% more likely to develop blood cancer, 50% more likely to develop kidney cancer, and nearly 55% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.