Gum or periodontal disease is considered a bacterial infection that is caused by the build-up of plaque along the teeth and gums. In fact, gum disease is one of the most prevalent and destructive dental conditions affecting millions of patients across the country.
The condition can lead to tooth and bone loss when left untreated for a long time.
Many people are not aware that they have gum disease. But there are many signs and symptoms that manifest when a person is suffering from this condition.
Here are 5 important warning signs of gum disease.
1. Swelling and redness of the gums
Swelling of the gums and redness are the first signs of gum disease. Gum disease is an infection.
Hence, like any other infection, gum disease will trigger an immune response that releases antibodies in order to fight the bacteria that causes the condition. The battle between the antibodies and bacteria will result in swelling or inflammation of the gum tissue.
The patient might also notice a darker redness in the gum tissue that won't lessen with time.
2. First time or increased tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is another sign of periodontal disease. In the event you feel sensations of pain whenever you eat or drink something hot or cold, it could indicate infected gums.
Gum disease will cause the gums to recede or drawn back from the teeth which will expose the tooth roots - these roots are much more sensitive to temperature fluctuations and pressure changes in the mouth. When your tooth roots are put in contact with hot or cold liquids or foods, you will likely experience a painful sensation at the spot of exposure.
3. Bad breath
Bad breath is another symptom of periodontal disease. People who don't take care of their oral health are more prone to experience this condition.
If you forget to floss your teeth, you will be leaving millions of bacteria trapped between and around your teeth. This can lead to bad breath and gum disease over time.
This is one of the main reasons it is important that you brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis.
4. Bleeding gums
4. Gum bleeding is another symptom of periodontal disease. In fact, it is not normal for healthy gum tissue to bleed.
Although gum bleeding may mean over-aggressive brushing, most of the time, it is related to gum disease. It can mean that the gum tissue has weakened by infection to the extent that it starts to bleed easily.
Make sure that you take note of the situation and schedule an appointment with our dental office if you experience any of these signs and symptoms.
5. Tooth abscess
An abscess is a common condition when you have periodontal disease. When the gum is weakened due to infection, it detaches from the tooth. The thin gap between the gum tissue and tooth will deepen and form a void that is known as a periodontal pocket. Pus will usually collect in these pockets.
Such pockets will appear more red and swollen compared to the nearby tissues.
An abscess can accelerate the process of bone loss. Hence, such a condition needs your immediate attention.
In fact, you should see one of our dentists to treat the condition before it worsens.
Closing
If you experience any of the gum disease signs and symptoms, you should immediately schedule an appointment with our Jacksonville dental office at https://www.farnhamdentistry.com/. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reverse periodontal or gum disease.