As many as 42.7% of adults older than 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition you might call gum disease. Without treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and systemic illness. Gum disease increases your risk of developing serious chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Gum disease starts when the bacteria that’s normally in your mouth accumulates and causes infection. At Russell Family Dentistry in Tomball, Texas, the dental team evaluates you for gum disease at your regular cleanings and dental exams. We can help you learn how to detect the early signs of gum disease and offer periodontal care to safeguard yourself from complications of the condition.
Keep reading to learn about some symptoms of gum disease and what to do about them.
A bout of bad breath after eating a tuna salad sandwich or garlicky pasta dish is to be expected. But, if you have chronic bad breath, known medically as halitosis, it could be an early warning sign that high levels of bacteria have established themselves in your mouth.
Bacteria colonies accumulate rapidly around your teeth and gums in the first stages of gum disease. The bacteria consolidates into plaque buildup that release toxins, which you might notice in the form of unpleasant odor or a persistent bad taste in your mouth.
If you don’t make changes to stop the further development of gum disease, it can create further inflammation and tissue damage.
If you notice sudden pain when you consume hot or cold food or beverages, it could be a sign that gum disease is present. Inflammation of your gums causes them to recede, which exposes sensitive nerves and roots and causes your teeth to be more negatively affected by food temperatures.
The mildest form of gum disease, called gingivitis, first shows up as puffy, sensitive gums that bleed when you brush or floss. The inflamed gums might feel tender to the touch, too.
Gingivitis can usually be reversed with good oral hygiene habits and diligently keeping up with professional cleanings. Be sure to brush twice daily, floss at least once daily, and visit our office for a cleaning at least twice a year.
As gum disease progresses, the gums pull away from the upper parts of your teeth. This means your teeth are lacking support from the gum tissue and may wiggle and feel loose. Bring any loose-feeling teeth to Dr. Russell’s attention so he can help determine the best form of treatment to restore gum health.
Educating yourself about the risks and symptoms is a great way to help prevent a case of gum disease from getting worse. At the early stage of diagnosis, you can expect mild and simple treatments, such as strengthening your own oral hygiene through professional cleanings or with antibiotic injections meant to ease pockets of swelling.
If your gum disease is more advanced, treatment might include deep cleaning treatments such as root planing and scaling, which eliminates unhealthy tissue and tries to preserve the healthy areas of your mouth.
Schedule a visit at Russell Family Dentistry today to learn more about how you can achieve a healthy, long-lasting smile that looks good and feels good. If you’re concerned about gum disease and want to learn about how to keep your smile for good, call today or use this website to book an appointment.
