Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Fountain Valley, CA
Your mouth has many important functions, including eating, speaking, and smiling. For your mouth to perform these functions optimally, it is important that you take good care of it. Oral hygiene consists of many components. A good majority of your oral care routine takes place in your own home. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once daily. It is also recommended that you have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year. Neglecting your oral hygiene can lead to an accumulation of plaque and bacteria, both of which can quickly lead to the development of periodontal disease. At Bijan Family Dental Practice, we can help you to recognize the symptoms, allowing you to get the treatment you need as soon as you notice something is wrong.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, begins as a result of a buildup of plaque and bacteria on your teeth. These substances irritate your gums, which then leads to inflammation. Inflammation causes your gum tissue to begin pulling away from your teeth, causing pockets to form. Bacteria fall into these pockets, where they begin attacking your periodontal ligaments and your jawbone in addition to your gums. Periodontal disease can compromise the stability of your teeth. Bacteria can also enter into your bloodstream, where it can contribute to issues like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
How Do I Know if I Have Periodontal Disease?
There are several signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of periodontal disease. The types of symptoms that you experience depend upon the type of periodontal disease you have. Signs and symptoms include:
| • |
Red, swollen gums. These symptoms, in addition to bleeding when you brush and floss, are the earliest indicators of periodontal disease. These symptoms are often thought to be the result of aggressive brushing or not that big of a deal and therefore go untreated. Without treatment, periodontal disease begins to worsen.
|
| • |
Gum recession. As a periodontal pockets form, bacteria get trapped underneath the gumline. There, they continue to attack your gum tissue, causing the pockets to grow deeper. The infected tissue dies off, causing the gumline to recede. Your teeth look longer and your risk of cavities increases. Gum recession can also expose the roots of your teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity.
|
| • |
Chronic bad breath. Periodontal pockets trap not only bacteria but food particles and other debris as well, all of which can lead to bad breath. These areas are impossible to clean out, no matter how much you brush and floss. As a result, no matter what you do, you cannot get rid of your bad breath.
|
| • |
Loose teeth. Bacteria under the gumline begins to attack the periodontal ligaments and your jawbone, two structures that support your teeth. As these structures weaken, the stability of your teeth is compromised. Loose teeth can also shift out of alignment, altering your bite.
|
| • |
Tooth loss. As periodontal disease worsens, the structures that support your teeth become weaker and weaker. If the structures are too weak, your teeth can fall out. |
Treatment Options for Periodontal Disease
When periodontal disease develops, treatment is essential. The type of treatment you receive depends on the type, and severity, of your condition. Common treatments include:
At the first signs of periodontal disease, treatment is essential. The earlier you treat the condition, the less damage is done, and less invasive the treatment needs to be. Call Bijan Family Dental Practice at (714) 421-4494 today to schedule your appointment.
|
