Just like the rest of our bodies, our mouths are full of (mostly) harmless bacteria, which are managed with daily brushing, mouthwash, and flossing. However, without proper care, these bacteria can cause oral infections, tooth decay, and gum disease. Even with proper care, people who are in high-risk groups, such as those who rely on decongestants or antihistamines, diuretics, or long-term medications may also be at an increased risk for developing oral infections, as are those with certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV.
How It Starts
Gum disease usually starts in parts of the mouth that aren’t being kept clean, allowing bacteria to build up in a film that develops on the teeth and gums (which is what leads to that funky feeling in our mouths after a long trip or when we aren’t able to get to a sink to brush our teeth). This causes the gums to become swollen and inflamed, which is a condition called gingivitis, an early warning sign of gum disease.
As your gum disease progresses, other symptoms become more prominent, including:
- redness
- bleeding while brushing or flossing teeth
- eroded gum line, which leads to larger-looking, more prominent teeth
- loose teeth
- bad breath