Toothless smiles are only welcomed when they are offered by children. Thereafter they point toward advanced age and sometimes less than stellar oral hygiene. It is interesting to note, many times tooth loss is heralded by other conditions in the mouth (such as swollen gums). Unfortunately, many times those suffering with swollen gums pay little attention when the swelling eventually subsides. When the swelling is gone, they forget all about their bout and pain their gums provided for a short period of time.
Problems in the mouth should be considered as health issues that almost always occur in a clearly defined line of progression. It is virtually unheard of for someone to wake up in the morning and find her gums are bleeding, only to lose her teeth by the time evening rolls around. Instead, the diseases that eventually lead to dental problems and ultimately tooth loss are progressive. Therefore, they can be noticed and halted at any time. This requires the intervention of a dentist and his staff. Sometimes this is the very reason why these problems are so far advanced when the patient finally does seek out the help of her dental healthcare professional.
It starts slowly. In the beginning there is the visible buildup of bacteria around the gum line. Sometimes slight discoloration of the teeth may be missed simply because it is such a rare and slight occurrence. Over time, the bacterial buildup is so severe that the gums become impacted. At that time the gum tissues will swell up. Swollen gums may be painful. Sometimes those suffering with this annoyance will forego extra careful oral hygiene, simply because it is rather uncomfortable at this time.
Swelling gives way to infection and the gums are red, bleed easily and are even more painful than before. Most patients are now willing to head on over to the office of their dentists at this time. Those who are steadfast in their refusal will notice their teeth appear to become longer over time. This is actually due to receding gums and not bona fide tooth lengthening. The gums are receding, exposing more of the teeth and thereby also allowing bacteria more access to the teeth and their roots. Dental decay and tooth loss are following closely behind and they bring with them the need for possible surgery.
The blessing and curse of progressive dental ill health when swollen gums are warning signs which remain ignored) is the fact it progresses very slowly. The slow speed offers a lot of time for the patient to make the important appointment with the dentist. But, at the same time it allows the individual to get used to the condition. In fact, the new feeling in the mouth can cause a patient to start rationalizing the failure to make that appointment.
