What are the Symptoms of Periodontal disease?

Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or eat anything? Do you have tender gums or bad breath that won’t go away? Do your teeth feel as if they are moving or loose? You might be suffering from Periodontal disease. And you’re not alone! According to an estimate, more than half of the US population suffers from some form of periodontal disease.

Although periodontal disease can have a severe effect on your dental and overall physical health, it can be easily treated if it is diagnosed in its early stages. Therefore, you must be aware of the signs and symptoms of periodontal inflammation – so that you can seek expert help and get it treated before it can cause permanent damage to your teeth.

Here are some of the common symptoms associated with periodontal disease:

  • Redness and Swelling of the Gums – swelling and redness is an indication of underlying inflammation. Periodontal disease starts with the gums becoming swollen and tender to touch. There is also redness along the gumline. 
  • Bleeding – bleeding is another indication of the underlying inflammation of the gums. When the gums are inflamed, they tend to bleed easily whenever you eat anything or brush your teeth.  
  • Bad Breath – the harmful bacteria present inside the plaque and calculus release toxins and degradation products, that not only irritate the gums but also cause bad breath. In fact, one of the most common reasons for having bad breath is poor oral hygiene and gum inflammation. 
  • Teeth Appear Longer – the toxins released by the harmful bacteria result in the recession of the gums from the original positions towards the tooth roots. As a result, the teeth begin to appear longer, not only making your teeth sensitive but also affecting your smile and facial aesthetics. 
  • Mobile or Shifting Teeth – during the advanced stages of periodontal disease – when the fibers attaching the teeth to the gums and the periodontal tissues are destroyed – you will feel that have become mobile. You may also observe that your teeth appear “higher” than normal, resulting in an “abnormal” bite. If the situation is not corrected timely, the teeth become so mobile in their sockets that they begin to fall off. 

Gum disease can be treated entirely during its early stages. However, when the disease progresses into the underlying bone, the damage is usually not reversible. Therefore, if you feel that you have any of the above symptoms, you must visit your dentist immediately for treatment. The earlier the treatment is started, the higher are the chances of complete recovery.