Each day and night there are bacteria multiplying rapidly in your mouth. Although the bacterium is not likely potent enough to cause your body systematic symptoms of infection, the same bacteria can silently wreck havoc on your dental health. In fact, common germs found in a human mouth are responsible for bad breath and more seriously, periodontal disease (also called gum disease).

Gum disease begins with plaque. Plaque contains bacteria, which can cause your gums to become infected. Proper dental care is necessary to avoid the buildup of plaque and consequently the possibility of gum disease. If your dental health is being compromised, you may experience the following three gum disease warning signs:

Bleeding Gums

In the earliest form of gum disease, you may experience bleeding gums. You may have no discomfort, just the presence of blood upon brushing or flossing your teeth. Many people don't take this periodontal disease symptom seriously, putting themselves at a great disadvantage in regard to their dental health. Bleeding gums can indeed be a consequence of inadequate oral hygiene. However with help from your dentist and with good oral care at home, you can reverse the effects of poor dental hygiene.

Swollen Gums

As gum disease progresses, it can advance from gingivitis to periodontitis. This occurs when plaque spreads below the gum line. When plaque spreads under the gum line, the bacteria within it begins to irritate your gums. There is a chronic inflammatory response that occurs at this point, within your body. Because of the toxic bacteria in the plaque, your body will start attacking itself and ultimately the tissues and bone around each tooth is destroyed from within.

Unexplained Bad Breath

While bad breath can be quite annoying, it is often a sign of poor dental health. Bad breath can occur when you eat something with an unpleasant or lingering scent. However, most often chronic and unexplained bad breath is due to gum disease. It is often a symptom of advanced gum disease, as it comes from the decaying teeth and lingering bacteria and toxins.

If you are experiencing any of these dental symptoms, you should see your dentist immediately. Gum disease is a very serious condition that should be taken quite seriously. Gingivitis and periodontitis are valid infections that can lead to secondary infection in the mouth and other areas of your body.

These common dental symptoms are often ignored due to the lack of knowledge about gum disease. You may even be experiencing these symptoms without concern, thinking they are a cause of a less serious condition. Perhaps you think your gums bleed only because you brush your teeth too aggressively, or because you don't floss often enough. However, most dentists will agree that bleeding gums, bad breath, and swollen gums are serious dental symptoms that are often warning signs of impending gum disease.

As the infection in your mouth worsens, serious complications can occur that affect your general wellbeing. In fact, experts state that there is a link between gum disease and common health issues like heart attacks, strokes, and premature delivery.

There is good news, even if you currently suffer with bleeding gums, swollen gums, and unexplained bad breath. With a defensive natural plan, you can have a healthy mouth once again!