Gum disease is a threat to your wellbeing and your oral health. This condition can develop with little noticeable symptoms in the beginning. Without proper treatment, it can advance to the point of wrecking the entire oral health system. In fact, periodontal (gum) disease can lead to bone and tooth loss when it progresses to its more advanced stages.
The most common sign of gum disease is bleeding gums. If you find that your gums bleed when you brush or floss, continue your oral hygiene routine as directed and call your dentist to schedule a checkup. While bleeding gums is a common symptom of this condition, there are other signs that might signify that it is time to improve your oral hygiene routine and/or make an appointment for a gum health evaluation.
Common Signs of Periodontal Disease
Beyond bleeding gums, there are other signs of periodontal disease that you should know. One common symptom of gum disease is persistent bad breath. This is because the infection associated with periodontal disease can be chronic. As bacteria infect the gums and kill tissue, it can leave behind an unpleasant smell – even if one performs proper oral hygiene.
Gum disease can present sensations of tender gums. They may also appear swollen. Discoloration of the gingiva is common, too. As the gums become diseased, they pull away from teeth (recede) as an inflammatory response. Gum recession leaves the roots of teeth exposed to surface debris like plaque and tartar. Since the roots of teeth do not have protective tooth enamel, they are incredibly vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria after gum recession.
In addition to attacking the gingiva, gum disease attacks bone. The infection present in the gums can affect the health of the jawbones. Bone deterioration, along with gum recession, leads to the loss of teeth. As a matter of fact, gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
If you have signs of periodontal disease, it is important to act quickly. Call us today at Bliss Dental to reserve an oral health examination with our experienced dentist.