How to Spot Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is something that most of us want to avoid. After all, left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to the loss of our teeth, perhaps even something worse. Since many of us like indulging in foods that require proper chewing action, our teeth are important to us. The following information is geared to help you identify the early signs of periodontal disease.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A lighted mirror
• <br>Toothbrush
• <br>Toothpaste or other tooth cleansing material
• <br>Dental floss

1. Examine your teeth in a well lit mirror. One of the first signs of periodontal disease is swelling of the gum area. This can usually be easily detected by self-examination.

2. Continue examining your teeth for gums that look red (as opposed to a healthy pink) and/or inflamed. Those are additional signs that your gums might be diseased.

3. Look for gums that appear to be pulling away or receding from your teeth. This can be a dangerous sign that periodontal disease is progressing.

4. If you have not already done so, brush and floss your teeth. If blood is mixed in with your spittle or covers your floss upon removal, then chances are that your gums are bleeding. A small amount indicates early stages of periodontal disease. Excessive bleeding, on the other hand, can indicate advanced disease that may require immediate attention.

5. Touch your gums with the soft bristles of your toothbrush. If they are sore, that is another problem sign. However, if pus oozes from the gums as you press against them, then it is possible you are in advanced stages of periodontal disease. Call your dentist and make an appointment for treatment.

6. Examine your teeth closely to ascertain if any of them are loose, appear to have "shifted" or "moved" or have larger, more apparent gaps between them. These are signs that you may have an immediate need for dental assistance.

7. Bite your teeth together. Does the bite appear normal for you? If there is any change that you can see, or if you just suspect that your bite may be off, then make an immediate dental appointment.

8. If you have partial or full dentures, insert them and then examine in the mirror to see if they still fit properly. Note any changes in how they "feel" as well as both can be early warning signs of a periodontal problem.

9. Check for bad breath. If you have a consistent problem in that area, it might be an early warning sign of periodontal disease.

Tips & Warnings

• Brush and floss your teeth regularly in order to prevent gum problems.
• <br>Consider an electric or sonic toothbrush with bristles that can help clean in between teeth.
• <br>If you have partial or full dentures, maintain them as advised by your dentist.
• <br>Use a mouth wash that helps to kill bacteria.
• <br>See your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups.
• <br>Check your teeth and gums yourself on a regular basis.
• Don't ignore obvious symptoms of periodontal disease as to do so could be hazardous to your health.
• <br>Don't use a toothbrush that is too hard on sensitive gum tissue.
• <br>Don't ignore it when your partials or full dentures exhibit problems with fit.

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