Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can be incredibly concerning and lead to other, more severe oral health issues if left untreated for an extended amount of time.

Subsequently, it is important to fully understand the various signs and symptoms of periodontal disease in order to be able to spot periodontal disease as soon as it develops, and to seek prompt treatment.

Symptoms of periodontal disease

The symptoms of periodontal disease are usually progressive and have a fairly slow onset, which is why it is important to thoroughly check your gums on a routine basis.

When checking the gums for symptoms of periodontal disease, look for the following common signs.

Swollen gums

The most prevalent symptom of periodontal disease — and the one that is usually the first to exist — is swollen gums. When the gums are subject to bacteria and other harmful substances, they become weak and vulnerable to infection, which causes them to swell.

In addition to the swelling, the gums are likely to become a much brighter red in the early stages of periodontal disease, and more serious signs of periodontal disease are likely to follow in the absence of treatment.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums is one of the more well-known symptoms of periodontal disease. When periodontal disease develops, the gums almost always are vulnerable to bleeding during one’s daily care routine.

If gums begin to bleed while brushing, flossing or eating, it is important to visit the dentist for the diagnosis and effective treatment of periodontal disease to ensure the symptoms do not worsen or last longer than necessary.

Receding gums

Receding gums is a more serious symptom of gum disease that should be treated with a sense of urgency. While it is not indicative of any long-term effects, receding gums can quickly be followed by teeth becoming loose, which can cause a need for invasive dental procedures to avoid tooth loss.

Receding gums makes the tooth appear longer, and it can often be hard to notice. Be sure to check for signs of receding gums each day, and visit the dentist if your gums are believed to be receding.

Bad breath

Gum disease is often caused by an accumulation of plaque and tartar — which contains bacteria — on the gums and gum line. When this buildup of bacteria occurs, it can put off a bad odor and cause bad breath.

If bad breath exists with other symptoms of periodontal disease, a trip to the dentist for diagnosis and treatment is likely required.

Loose teeth

Periodontal disease can eventually lead to complete tooth loss if the earlier symptoms of periodontal disease are ignored and not properly treated.

Before tooth loss occurs, however, the teeth will become loose, which usually takes place after the gums are weakened and recession of the gums occurs. If teeth are loose due to periodontal disease, it is incredibly important to visit the dentist as soon as possible to try and save the tooth from becoming lost, resulting in the need for expensive teeth replacement procedures.

Request an appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.

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