Like most oral health conditions, gum disease gets worse if not treated by the right dentist and can lead to tooth loss. In fact, periodontal disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in American adults. When plaque builds up on teeth and gums, bacteria is present that can feed on sugars left in the mouth, and these bacteria continue to eat at gums until professionally treated. Starting as a condition called gingivitis, it can lead to advanced gum disease and bone loss.
While there are differences between the four primary types of periodontal disease – periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, and necrotizing periodontitis – there are common signs and symptoms that help a dentist make a gum disease diagnosis.
Gum Disease Signs and Symptoms
Gum Disease Signs and Symptoms
A big problem with diagnosing gum disease is that there are no obvious symptoms at first. That’s why regular dental visits are crucial to early diagnosis and treatment. Here are some signs and symptoms you may notice that could indicate gum disease that needs quick treatment:
Bleeding with no apparent cause. When your gums bleed simply from eating, brushing, or flossing, it isn’t normal or natural and should be considered a symptom of periodontal disease that needs to be treated. It may still be at an early stage.
Swelling, pain, and redness. When gums have any or all of these symptoms, gum disease is probably present. There’s no time to waste. It’s important to treat these signs of gum disease before the infection spreads throughout your body.
Teeth that look long. When teeth look longer than they used to, you may have already lost some of your gums, other soft tissue, or bone. Bacteria is the cause, and you must take quick action by seeing a well-trained dentist to treat the disease and keep it from progressing.
Bad breath. Technically called halitosis, bad breath is sometimes a sign of gum disease. It can be caused by bacteria and particles of food stuck in gum pockets, and there are other causes as well. The worse your gum disease is, the worse your breath will smell in many cases.
Bite changes or loose teeth. As gum disease advances, teeth can get noticeably loose as the gums and bones beneath are destroyed. One of the first signs of loose teeth could be changed in the way your teeth meet – called your bite.
The presence of pus. Pus is never a good thing, and pus present in your mouth is a sign of a serious periodontal condition. Pus is created as your body tried to fight off infection, so it’s a sure sign that significant bacterial colonies are present around your teeth.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease can make a real mess of your mouth, destroying forever your gums and bone and causing tooth loss. To keep the disease from progressing, you must establish a relationship with a San Diego dentist who is right for you. They can take a look at your mouth, find out what stage the infection has reached and make a plan for treating it.
Your dentist may suggest a deep cleaning procedure, pocket reduction surgery, and oral antibiotics, among other things. A variety of treatment methods are possible, and you may have choices to make. A common starting point is root planing and teeth scaling to thoroughly clean and smooth teeth to reduce plaque, tartar, and bacteria.
In severe cases of periodontal disease, laser treatment may be recommended to eliminate bacteria and reduce pocket size. You may require tissue grafting where bone or gums have been lost. Whatever your situation when you arrive at the dentist, solutions are available. If teeth have already been lost, dental implants are available if you’re a good candidate.
Choose a San Diego Dentist Association member now, and take the first steps toward a healthier mouth.