Periodontitis is a severe type of gum disease that begins with inflammation of the soft tissues around your teeth. You should see your Ardsley General Dentist immediately if you see signs of gum disease, such as red, painful, or bleeding gums. Early action is critical for restoring your dental health. The longer you wait, the more advanced the condition becomes, necessitating more intensive therapy. Here are six indicators you need to see your dentist;
- Gum bleeding during brushing or flossing
Bleeding gums is a major indicator of periodontal disease. Bleeding during flossing indicates gingivitis (gum disease) in its early stages. However, if you have bleeding gums after brushing or (worse) inexplicable bleeding after eating, you may have severe periodontitis and should see your dentist.
- Gum recession
Gum recession is a natural aspect of aging: 88% of persons over 65 have a recession around at least one tooth. However, a recession can also be an indication of gum disease. Retreating gums, regardless of the source, can expose the fragile roots of teeth, increasing the risk of decay, infection, discomfort, and tooth loss. When detected early, therapy can halt or even reverse the progression of the disease.
- Gums that are red, swollen, and painful
Inflammation is caused by the microorganisms that cause gingivitis. Inflamed gums can form deep pockets around your teeth if left unchecked. You should not disregard swollen gums since deep periodontal pockets increase your risk of tooth loss. Inflamed gums may also seem redder rather than pink and painful to the touch. Visit a dentist if you have swollen, painful, or bleeding sore gums!
- Loose (in adults) or shifting teeth
Once your baby teeth are gone, the remainder of your teeth (should) live forever. Periodontitis can cause pockets to form around teeth, causing them to become loose. You may also notice teeth moving.
See your specialist if you are experiencing difficulty chewing, notice a change in how your teeth fit together, or observe new gaps between your teeth. Loose teeth also indicate bone loss; therefore, getting treatment as soon as possible is critical.
- Hot or cold-sensitive teeth
Due to a receding gum line and exposed roots, severe gum disease can cause greater tooth sensitivity. Another potentially dangerous issue that can cause temperature sensitivity in teeth is deteriorating enamel. Furthermore, if your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages, seek dental treatment to cure or prevent the advancement of whatever is causing your teeth to be sensitive.
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
You might not consider foul breath to be an indication of disease; however, if your bad breath persists despite regular dental care, it might indicate a periodontal infection.
Prevalent causes of periodontitis
Periodontitis is mostly caused by inadequate dental hygiene. Bacteria adhere to plaque and tartar on the surfaces of your teeth. If you don’t clean your teeth as thoroughly or as frequently as you should, germs can enter your mouth beneath your gum line, where your toothbrush and floss cannot reach. These dangerous bacteria eat away at the structures that support your teeth, causing infection, bone loss, and tooth loss.
Periodontitis is a severe gum disease characterized by red, bleeding, sore gums, loose teeth, foul breath, and gum recession. You cannot cure periodontitis, but you may manage it with adequate treatment and maintenance. This includes maintaining proper oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental cleanings at the intervals indicated by your dentist. Call Hinna Chaudhry, DMD, or book your consultation online to determine suitable periodontitis therapies.
