Signs You May Have Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, a.k.a gum disease, is a serious infection that has far deeper ramifications than just what it does in your mouth. This condition is often left untreated merely because gum disease sneaks up on you if you’re not paying close attention. However, the severity of gum disease is that it may actually lead to health issues greater than tooth loss. If left to run its course over years, gum disease may be a precursor to heart attack, stroke, diabetes, respiratory diseases and premature/underweight babies.

Understanding the implications of allowing gum disease to rule your mouth, you are probably wondering how you can stop it. Here, we will spell out some of the symptoms of gum disease. In addition to becoming acquainted with the signs your gums may be unhealthy, you also want to maintain regular check-ups with your dentist.

Your gums may be in trouble if you experience:

• Gums which are red, tender and swollen
• Pain in the mouth
• Bleeding while eating, brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Sores in the mouth
• Teeth becoming loose or separating
• Gums which have receded or that pull away from teeth. Teeth will look longer than they have in the past.
• A change in the way your partial dentures fit
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you chew

Periodontal disease can be treated; but it is important to understand how to prevent the onset of this condition to begin with. Your dentist can perform check-ups and determine the condition of your gums, and also provide you with valuable advice on how to keep gums healthy as long as possible.

Gum disease does not have to be a part of any patient’s life! If you think you may have symptoms of gum disease, don’t spend time worrying; simply schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine the best course of action, correct any issues, and prevent further damage to gum tissue. Your health is very important to your dentist; and preventing or treating gum disease is a major contributor to a healthy lifestyle.