Do You Have Gum Disease?
Ask yourself these questions to find out:
- Do your gums bleed easily, especially when you brush your teeth?
- Do you frequently have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth?
- Are your teeth loose, or have they shifted in your mouth?
- Do your gums appear to be red, swollen or receding?
- Are your gums irritated or sore?
- Do you see pink in the sink?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, see your dentist. Gum disease
may be present without any of these symptoms, though, so be sure to see your
dentist every six months and
maintain a proper oral care routine.
Between dentist visits, count on
Colgate Total® to deliver complete 12 hour protection against
a range of oral health problems – including gingivitis, a form of gum disease.
Learn more about the signs of gum disease.
Puffy Gums and Pregnancy
Gingivitis, especially common during the second to eighth months of
pregnancy, may cause red, puffy, or tender gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.
In fact, pregnant women may be more susceptible to gum disease than women who aren't pregnant. That's
because during pregnancy, the body's estrogen and progesterone levels rise considerably.
These hormones dilate blood vessels, inflaming gum tissue and making it more susceptible to
bacteria.
Learn more about women and gum disease.
