Periodontitis: Signs You Can’t Afford to Ignore

The bacteria that accumulate on your teeth aren’t only capable of causing cavities, they can also lead to severe damage to the bone that supports your teeth and your gums!  Left untreated, this deterioration is responsible for gum disease, or periodontitis.

Periodontitis doesn’t appear out of nowhere.  The disease is actually a progression of a reversible condition called gingivitis.  Both gingivitis and periodontitis produce a few noticeable symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

• Bleeding gums: If your gums bleed after you brush or floss, it might be one of the initial signs of gum disease.  When plaque builds up along and under the gum line, the gums become inflamed and sensitive. Brushing and flossing can irritate them further, causing them to bleed every time you do your dental care routine.  Bleeding gums are never normal, so persistent bleeding should be addressed as soon as possible.
• Chronic bad breath: Everyone gets stinky breath once in a while, especially in the morning before they brush their teeth.  However, consistently bad breath is a sign of periodontitis.  Once bacteria harden into tartar, it can’t be brushed away at home.  The waste products from these bacteria create a foul smell that you can’t get rid of.
• Receding gums: In the more severe stages of periodontitis, bacteria accumulate beneath your gums and begin to break down the tissue.  This causes the gums to pull away from the teeth.  Receding gums can appear uneven across your teeth and make your teeth look longer than usual.  Ignoring this symptom can lead to even more gum recession and, eventually, severe damage to the bones beneath the gum line.
• Loose teeth: Your gums and jaw bone hold your teeth firmly in place next to each other. If you notice that one or more of your teeth are loose or shifting, periodontitis might be causing bone loss beneath the gum line.  If this goes untreated, you might lose those teeth!

If you notice something off about your teeth and gums – even if it seems minor – you should consult your dentist or Periodontist.  Unfortunately, too many people ignore these signs. Less than 60 percent of people with gum disease even know they have it and 80% have some form of gum disease!

Ignoring the signs of periodontitis can have disastrous effects for your mouth and your entire body.  Oral pain, tooth loss and even illnesses like heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes can be linked to gum disease. The risks are far too great to overlook these symptoms.

What Can You Do About Periodontitis?

If you notice any signs of periodontitis, you should contact your dentist right away.  They will examine your teeth and refer you to a periodontal specialist if you indeed suffer from gum disease.

Fortunately, there are treatments for the disease.  Scaling and root planing can rid your teeth and gums of harmful bacteria, while surgical procedures can stabilize your teeth and help you retain your beautiful smile.  By paying closer attention to your oral health, you can spot the signs of gum disease and save yourself from hardship later.