Many people do not recognize the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. Such symptoms tend to appear during the advanced stage of the condition. It is often silent; yet, you should watch out for certain symptoms to determine whether you have this gum disease. Periodontal disease, also called periodontitis or gum disease, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth. If not treated properly, it may lead to loss of teeth due to the destruction of tissue surrounding your teeth.
The condition can progress to affect the bone that supports and surrounds your teeth. In terms of severity, gum disease has three stages. From moderate to severe, these are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. This oral health problem is easy to ignore or overlook because it can be painless.
Most people tend to focus on the health of their teeth and forget about their gums’ health. Failing to notice the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease early on can have terrible consequences. If you apply the right detection measures, you will catch this dangerous condition before it wreaks havoc.
Plaque Attack
This symptom sounds nasty, yet it often manifests sneakily as an inflammation of the gum tissue. It results from the buildup of plaque on the gumline and teeth. Also known as gingivitis, this is a symptom of the early stages of periodontal disease. If you have gingivitis, your dentist will recommend some minimally invasive treatment options. Professional dental cleaning followed by the right flossing and brushing routine will reverse gingivitis.
Bone Burrowing
Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease. It is treatable, but your dentist may have to use more invasive treatment options. These include removing plaque and germs from beneath your gum line, or deep cleaning and scaling of your roots’ surfaces. This condition affects more than gums. It can also lead to bone and tissue loss throughout your mouth.
If you are suffering from periodontitis, your dentist may refer you to a dental specialist known as a periodontist. He/she will perform advanced treatment procedures designed to regenerate the tissue and bone you lost.
Signs of Gum Disease
Preventing the advanced stages of periodontal disease is not difficult. Maintaining a good flossing and brushing regimen can go a long way. Meanwhile, to decide whether you may have gum disease, you need to do the following:
Keep an eye out for red or swollen gums.
Determine whether your gums bleed easily.
Determine whether you have constant bad breath.
Check for a recession of your gums from your teeth.
Check for loose permanent teeth.
Check for changes in your bite.
Check for any pus between your teeth.
Even if you think your mouth looks clean and healthy, you still need to keep your guard up. Periodontal disease is sneaky, and you may still have it even if you do not notice these symptoms. It is also important to maintain your regular dental checkups for prevention and/or early detection of gum disease.
If you want to know more about periodontal disease and other dental conditions, contact Marietta Smile Gallery at (770) 809-1500. You can also visit our offices in Marietta, Georgia; we specialize in preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.
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