If your gums bleed when you brush in the morning, know that it’s the first alarming sign of periodontal disease. While mild bleeding during teeth brushing is normal, a severe one is not. If you know how dangerous periodontal disease can be, you will surely be running to the dentist. This guide will inform you of the five alarming signs of periodontal disease so that you can identify them and report to your dentist on time.
What Patients Should Know About Periodontal Disease
A periodontal disease affects your gums; it is mostly an infection in your gingiva. In severe cases, this infection can also spread into the bone and lead to bone loss.
Periodontal disease occurs as a result of excessive plaque accumulation. Plaque or biofilm is not very harmful unless it turns into a hard form called calculus.
Plaque forms on the tooth surfaces as a result of food debris, bacteria, and acids. If you don’t focus on your oral hygiene, you are very likely to welcome excessive plaque in your mouth and eventually give way to periodontal disease.
5 Alarming Signs Of Periodontal Disease You Should Not Miss
The following are the signs of periodontal disease you should be aware of:
1. Excessive Bleeding From The Gums
Bleeding happens in the earliest stage of periodontal disease. However, you should not wait for the other symptoms to manifest. Bleeding itself means that the disease is about to progress. Monitor if the bleeding is also associated with swelling. If you notice swelling in the other part of the gums as well, then let your dentist know about it.
2. Deep Pockets In The Gum
In the progressive stage of periodontal disease, the gum loses its attachment to the tooth. This leads to a pocket formation that houses bacteria, food debris, and more plaque.
3. Mouth Soreness
Patients with periodontal disease experience mouth soreness along with pain. It keeps you very uncomfortable, and the area with the infection becomes very tender to touch.
4. Gums Moving Downwards
Gum recession is another alarming condition associated with periodontal disease. It may look normal, but clinically it is not. The gums, when leaving the tooth root, cause more sensitivity in the exposed part.
5. Bone Loss And Mobile Teeth
In the end stage of periodontal disease, which the dentist calls “aggressive periodontitis”, patients have a very severe bone loss. You can figure it out yourself by noticing if your teeth are moving. The mobility can also tell about the spread and progress of the disease. If your tooth is grade III mobile, it means that you should not wait and visit the dentist immediately.
How Do Dentists Manage Periodontal Disease?
The management of periodontal disease includes:
- Taking down the complete history and examination of the patient
- Advising X-rays to identify the extent of bone loss
- Provide medications, periodontal treatment, or surgery
- Advise patience for follow-up
Final Thoughts
The warning signs of periodontal disease may sound very dangerous, but there is nothing to worry about because it is treatable. Learning about the symptoms can convince patients to seek an early diagnosis. If you have noticed any of the 5 signs, then visit Lake Elsinore Dentistry. We offer safe and effective dental treatments. Give us a call at (951) 579-1010 to schedule your appointment today.