Periodontal disease is a condition that affects the health of your gums and teeth. According to recent CDC research, around 47.2% of adults over 30 suffer from some form of periodontal disease. The conditions increase with age, with around 70% of adults 65 years and above having periodontal diseases. However, the majority of people don’t know they have periodontal disease. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease Campbell, you should consider getting early treatment before it becomes severe. So how do you know you have periodontal disease? Here is a look at the common symptoms of periodontal disease.
Unexplained Bleeding
if you notice bleeding when brushing, eating food, or flossing, this is one of the common symptoms of periodontal disease. The plaque contains toxins that cause bacterial infection, making gum tissues susceptible to bleeding.
Longer-Looking Teeth
Periodontal disease can result in gum recession. The bacteria that cause the disease produce toxins that can destroy the bones and tissues supporting the teeth. This can cause gum recession making the teeth appear longer than normal, giving you a ‘toothy’ smile.
Red, Swollen, or Painful Gums
If you are experiencing red, swollen, or painful gums for no clear reason, it’s a symptom of a periodontal infection. It is important to treat the infection early before it infects the gum tissue and the jaw bone. Getting treated before the infection gets into the bloodstream and is carried to other body parts is also essential.
Bad Breath
While your breath odor can come from the back of the tongue, the food you eat, from the stomach and lungs, or from tobacco use, bad breath can also be a symptom of periodontal disease. Old food particles often remain between the teeth and under the gumline. The gum pockets house more food debris and bacteria resulting in a foul smell.
Pus
Pus from your teeth is a definite symptom of a progressive periodontal disease. The pus results from your body trying to fight against the bacterial infection. Therefore, if you notice a sign of pus from your teeth or gum, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Loose Teeth
Loosening of teeth is a symptom of quickly progressing gum disease. As periodontal disease destroys the bone tissue, teeth that were strongly attached to the jawbone get wobbly or change in position.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
When you visit the dentist, they will assess your whole month to ascertain the disease progression. When diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist might prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infection in combination with nonsurgical or surgical treatments. In moderate gum disease, a dental procedure called root planing and scaling is used to clear the debris in the gum pockets. The gum pockets are then filled with antibiotics to enhance good healing and kill any of the bacteria. In severe periodontitis, some treatment procedures include; tissue and bone grafting, laser treatment, and pocket elimination surgery.
Ultimately, periodontal disease is a form of gum infection. The common symptoms include bleeding and tender gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and gum recession. It is important to note that gum disease can progress without any symptoms. You can’t cure gum disease but can manage it with proper oral care and maintenance. This includes maintaining good dental hygiene and regular dental cleanings, as the dentist recommends.
