Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adult dental patients. Unfortunately, this type of infection can progress asymptomatically for months or years before patients notice that there is a problem. Our Cheney dentists strongly encourage patients to stay alert for signs of periodontal disease, so that they can seek treatment before the infection becomes severe. In today’s article, we’re sharing some information about common signs and symptoms of gum disease. Let’s get started!
One of the first things that you may notice if you’re dealing with gum disease is that your gum tissue looks red or swollen. You may also find that your gums are prone to bleeding when you brush, floss, or eat crunchy foods. This is because the underlying gum infection is causing your tissue to swell and weakening blood vessels.
Patients who are suffering from periodontal disease may also deal with chronic, hard-to-treat bad breath. The same bacteria that cause gum disease also release unpleasant odors when they feed on sugars in the mouth and multiply. So, if you can’t seem to freshen your breath no matter what you do, it may be because you have an abundance of harmful oral bacteria in your mouth.
Over time, periodontal disease can move from the gum tissue to the underlying structure of the patient’s smile. Periodontal disease can weaken the connective tissues that hold teeth in place, causing the teeth to feel loose or to shift along the gum line. This is a sign that periodontal disease has become advanced, and you need to speak to your dentist about treatment options.
With proper care, periodontal disease can be managed and overcome; you just need to partner with your dentist to get it under control for good! Give our Cheney dentists a call to learn more about the realities of periodontal disease, and to schedule a personal consultation. We look forward to speaking with you!