Signs of Gum Inflammation to Report

Signs that suggest inflamed gums

Gums that are irritated often look redder, shinier or puffier than usual. They may feel tender, and they may bleed when you brush, clean between your teeth or eat something firm. Breath or taste that does not clear after brushing can also go along with gum trouble.

One sign alone does not tell you much. A single bleed after a hard bristle is different from gums that bleed most days. Patterns are what a dentist wants to hear about, so notice how often it happens and whether it is in one spot or many.

• Red, shiny or swollen gums
• Bleeding during brushing or cleaning between teeth
• Tenderness when chewing or touching the area
• Breath or taste that stays unpleasant

Signs that should not wait

Some changes call for a quicker response. Swelling, pus along the gumline, teeth that feel loose or have shifted, gums pulling back from teeth, or pain that is getting worse are all reasons to contact a dentist soon rather than wait for a routine visit.

If swelling spreads to the face or neck, or comes with fever or trouble swallowing or breathing, seek urgent medical help. Persistent bleeding that does not stop is also a reason to get checked.

Where sensitivity fits in

Tooth sensitivity often shows up as a sharp twinge with cold, hot, sweet or acidic things. It can come from exposed root surfaces, worn enamel, a cracked tooth, or decay, and sometimes from gums that have receded. It is not automatically a sign of gum disease.

That overlap is the reason to report it. Telling the dentist which teeth react, to what, and for how long gives them a way to sort out the cause. Avoid guessing at a diagnosis at home, and do not assume a sensitivity toothpaste has dealt with an underlying problem.

How to describe what you see

A few notes can turn a vague worry into a useful visit. Write down when you first noticed the change, whether it comes and goes, which part of the mouth it affects, and what seems to trigger it. Mention medicines you take, since some affect the gums, and any health conditions such as diabetes.

Photos taken in good light can help, but they are not a diagnosis. A dentist will still want to examine the gums, measure the spaces around the teeth and sometimes take X-rays.

Habits to keep while you wait for an appointment

Keep going with the basics: brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth once a day, limit how often sugary or acidic food and drinks reach your teeth, and avoid smoking. Gentle, thorough cleaning along the gumline is generally better than skipping an area because it bleeds.

Oral probiotic products, including ProDentim as the seller sells it, are one optional supplement some people ask about. The evidence on oral probiotics is limited or mixed, and the seller's statements are unverified claims. Ask a dentist, doctor or pharmacist before use, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medicines or have a medical condition. Today, the concrete step is to call your dental office and describe what you have noticed.

Questions readers ask