Signs of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal diseases are types of bacterial infections that can destroy your gums and any surrounding tissues within the mouth. Periodontal diseases can be mild, such as gingivitis, or become severe and lead to advanced periodontitis. If you let periodontal disease go untreated, the bones around your teeth will begin to dissolve. As a result, tooth loss always occurs. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, chronic inflammation of the teeth (as a result of disease) causes about 70 percent of adult tooth loss.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. Gingivitis causes swelling of your gums, and if the disease is left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications, such as periodontitis. As a result, you can develop permanent damage of your teeth and jaw line. According to the Mayo Clinic, women who are pregnant and have periodontitis have a higher incidence of giving birth to premature babies than women without the disease.

Gingivitis Symptoms

The first indicator of gingivitis is bleeding gums when you brush your teeth. Even the slightest amount of pressure upon the gums can cause bleeding. Gingivitis can also cause your gums to become soft, and the gums may be tender to the touch. Healthy gums are pink in appearance. However, when you have gingivitis, the gums begin to change to a darker red. Your breath can develop a foul odor. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should see a dentist if your gums become puffy, dusky red and develop bleeding easily.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an infection that can result in tooth loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, periodontitis can put you at an "increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or other serious heart conditions." When a person develops periodontitis, it is the result of poor hygiene.

Periodontitis Symptoms

Periodontitis begins with swollen gums, very red or purplish gums, tender gums or gums that begin to pull away from your teeth. As the disease progresses, spaces will develop between the teeth, pus will form between the gums and teeth, and teeth will become loose. Other symptoms include bad breath, a bad taste within the mouth and a difference in the way your teeth feel when you bite down.

Prevention/Solution

To prevent periodontal disease, you need to adopt a good oral hygiene routine. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. According to the Mayo Clinic, it's better to brush after every meal or snack. Brushing should take 1 to 2 minutes, while flossing should take 2 to 3 minutes. Flossing prior to brushing your teeth is better, since flossing removes any food particles and bacteria. You should also have your teeth professionally cleaned by a hygienist every 6 to 12 months, unless you've already developed signs of periodontal diseases. If you have early signs of periodontal disease, cleanings should be done more often (about every three months).

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Periodontal Disease
• Mayo Clinic: Gingivitis
• Mayo Clinic: Periodontitis

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Periodontal Prevention
• Colgate: Gum Disease
• Mayo Clinic: Gingivitis Complications