As the tissues that surround the bases of your teeth, your gums often tell stories without you realising. When they're healthy and pink, they're telling you that your oral health is well-balanced. But when they start to display certain signs, they're giving a warning that something needs to change. Here are three signs your gums could give you that your health is going in the wrong direction.

Your Gums Are Swollen

Although your gums don't sit precisely flat against your teeth, they shouldn't obscure them either. When they bulge, become enlarged, or protrude, you'll notice that they start to move over your teeth in some areas. This is a sign that they're swollen. One of the commonest reasons for swollen gums is gingivitis, which means they're infected. However, they can also swell in response to poor-fitting dental devices, pregnancy, malnutrition, non-dental infections, and certain medications. The best way to get to the root of the issue is to visit your dentist. They'll perform an assessment and make recommendations for protecting your oral health.

Your Gums Are Bleeding

You wouldn't ignore bleeding when it comes from any other area of your body, so don't ignore it when it comes from your gums. You're most likely to notice bleeding when you brush your teeth. The foam in your mouth that's usually white or creamy will adopt a noticeable pink or red tinge. Similarly, you may notice flecks of blood when you spit your toothpaste into the sink. Much like swollen gums, bleeding gums usually arise from infections, which can later progress to dental emergencies if you don't address them quickly. If the infection is mild, your dentist may be able to prescribe a specialist mouthwash to tackle it. 

Your Gums Have Ulcers

If you develop ulcers along your gums, you'll soon know about it. As visible white canker sores, they can often feel painful, especially when you eat and talk. In some cases, ulcers develop as a secondary reaction to having a non-dental infection. For example, a virus. However, they can also appear when one of your dental devices isn't fitting correctly. Or, when there's an infection in your mouth. As a part of their investigations, your dentist may also spot signs that you're grinding your teeth or biting your soft tissues at night. Regardless of their findings, they can make a recommendation or two for keeping your mouth ulcer-free. 

By routinely visiting your dentist, you can tackle gum-related issues and prioritise your oral health. 

Contact a local dentist for more information. 

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