Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems that people can experience. It is often the result of haphazard dental care at home, avoidance of the dentist, and poor diet management. However, you can also be more susceptible to gum disease if you have certain health conditions, including diabetes and even pregnancy. If you're wondering if you should see a general dentist about gum disease issues, here are some signs to watch for.

Are Your Gums Bleeding?

If you've noticed that your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, that's one of the most common indications of gum disease issues. Gum disease causes the gum tissue to become inflamed, which leads to bleeding when that tissue is aggravated by brushing. As a result, if you notice bleeding in your gums, it's important that you reach out to a dentist for a gum disease assessment and treatment.

Do Hot Or Cold Foods Bother Your Mouth?

Gum disease will cause your gums to shrink. When this happens, your teeth are exposed further down toward the roots. Since those roots are particularly sensitive, you may start to notice that anything too hot or too cold can cause pain in your mouth. If you're noticing this kind of problem, that's another key indicator that you may be suffering from gum disease.

Have You Been Struggling With Bad Breath?

The bacteria that grow in your mouth when you have gum disease can cause persistent foul odors. If you've been battling bad breath and nothing seems to resolve it, that may be a sign that you've developed gum disease and need to have it treated by your dentist.

Has Your Bite Changed?

Since gum disease causes the gums to recede and can alter the structural integrity of your mouth, you might also notice that your teeth have shifted, causing changes in your bite. This is usually a sign of severe gum disease and should not be ignored. If you notice any kind of change in your bite, you should talk with a dentist right away to try to prevent tooth loss.

Are You At Risk For Diabetes?

Diabetes and gum disease often coincide. If you have a family history of or are at risk for diabetes and you're seeing any of these signs of gum disease, you should talk with a dentist as soon as possible. Often, dentists are the first to recognize early signs of diabetes and refer their patients for testing and care. Poor diabetes management can lead to a variety of dental problems, including gum disease, so you should make sure that you see your dentist regularly.