Periodontal disease is often painless and without obvious signs, so it can be hard to tell if someone has it. Some of the symptoms are not apparent until it progresses to its advanced stage, known as periodontitis. There are, however, some warning signs that could indicate the presence of the disease. Knowing the signs, together with good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly, is a good way to avoid the disease.
Periodontal disease affects the tissues surrounding the teeth and is a major cause of tooth loss in many adults. The following are possible warning signs of a periodontal health condition:
Gum disease can cause the gums to bleed or ache. Healthy gums should not bleed when brushing or flossing. When a person does not brush and floss regularly, plaque created by bacteria will accumulate and soon start to cause gum irritation, making them swollen or sensitive, red, and prone to bleeding. This is the first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis. The plaque attacks the healthy tissues, and if untreated, may worsen the infection and destroy healthy gum tissues.
A tooth does not grow with age. However, advancing gum disease can make a person’s teeth look longer because the gums covering them are receding. Gum recession is the deterioration of gum tissues around the tooth, causing exposure of the tooth roots and leaving the teeth vulnerable to infection, decay, or loss. Healthy gums fit tightly around the tooth, with a distance of one to three millimeters in depth; with infection setting in, the distance deepens, creating what is known as periodontal pockets. These pockets make it harder to remove food debris, which can further worsen the infection.
Root exposure and receding gums have more than just aesthetic consequences; they can also cause tooth sensitivity. This condition causes patients to feel uncomfortable sensations in their teeth when they eat hot or cold foods or expose their teeth to cold air. The gums shield the tooth root where there is no enamel covering them. Root exposure is uncomfortable and painful because the roots contain nerve tissues. If the sensitivity worsens progressively, patients need to consult their dentist, as it could be due to periodontal disease.
Bad breath happens to everyone, and it is often easy to get rid of the odor with mints, mouthwash, or brushing. However, if bad breath (called halitosis) occurs all the time, then poor oral health from bacteria accumulation, tooth decay, or gum disease could be the issue. Persistent bad breath is typically caused by the foul gases produced by the bacteria covering the gums, teeth, and tongue. Like the other gum disease warning signs, consulting the dentist for diagnosis and treatment is important.
If you are worried about your periodontal health or experience some of the warning signs described above, make a dental appointment for a dental examination as soon as possible. Failure to get a professional assessment and prompt treatment can cause the disease to worsen drastically.
Request an appointment here: https://www.palmbeachdentistry.com or call Palm Beach Dentistry at (561) 225-2057 for an appointment in our Delray Beach office.
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