Periodontal disease is a condition that goes by several names. You may have heard of it being referred to as gingivitis, which is often the term used to describe it in its’ earliest form, or gum disease, dental disease or even periodontitis. Essentially, they all refer to the same problem – a bacterial infection that affects the soft tissue of our gums.
Periodontal disease happens when plaque builds up along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film that coats the teeth and is produced when the bacteria in your mouth comes into contact with sugars in the food and drink you consume. Failing to brush plaque away does not only cause the creation of acid that erodes your teeth, it also enables the bacteria in the plaque to irritate and then creep into the gums, causing bleeding, irritation and pain. Over time, the infection inside the soft gum tissue can spread, causing the gums to recede and your jaw bone to deteriorate, potentially enabling your teeth to come loose.
Nevertheless, periodontal disease does not only pose a threat to the function and appearance of our smile. It has also been shown to have wider implications on our general health since studies show a correlation between the disease and other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart, liver and kidney disorders and more.
Since periodontal disease is irreversible, it is essential that you recognize the signs of the condition and get to a dentist as soon as possible.
The signs of periodontal disease affect both adults and children alike. One of the biggest challenges with dealing with this condition is that the earliest symptoms are fairly mild and easy to ignore. This means that many patients overlook them or put off seeking an appointment with a dentist until they become much worse.
By this point, the severity of your periodontal disease may have progressed and caused irreversible damage to your dental health. Therefore, it is important to arrange to see your dentist as soon as you suspect you may be suffering from periodontal disease.
Signs of periodontal disease to look out for include:
Persistently bad breath that doesn’t seem to improve regardless of brushing your teeth / chewing gum etc.
Gums that look red and/or swollen.
Gums that are tender to the touch.
Bleeding when you brush your teeth. Blood in the sink is often a patient’s first indicator of periodontal disease.
Pain when you bite or chew.
Sensitivity when you eat or drink anything particularly hot or cold.
Receding gums where your teeth seem longer than they should.
Teeth that seem loose.
The good news is that with a robust dental hygiene routine, good habits and some luck, periodontal disease is entirely preventable. Our gum health specialist can also give you advice on the best ways to keep this unfortunate dental problem at bay.
If you are already suffering from some degree of periodontal disease, we will be able to work with you to minimize its effects and stop it from progressing. To find out more, please call our clinic and speak to our expert dental team today at 813-973-7770.
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