Top Signs You Have Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common oral health issue that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It ranges from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss. Recognizing the early signs is crucial for preventing the disease from progressing. Here’s a comprehensive look at the key indicators of periodontal disease and what they mean for your oral health.

1. Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums

One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of periodontal disease is the presence of red, swollen, or tender gums. Healthy gums are typically firm and pink. When bacteria accumulate along the gumline due to poor oral hygiene, inflammation occurs. This inflammation is a defense mechanism against the infection caused by plaque buildup.

In mild cases (gingivitis), this inflammation is reversible with proper care. However, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the inflammation affects the deeper structures that support your teeth.

What to Do: Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings can reduce inflammation and improve gum health.

2. Bleeding Gums While Brushing or Flossing

If you notice blood when brushing or flossing, it’s a red flag for gum disease. Bleeding is a sign that your gums are inflamed and that bacteria have irritated the tissue. While occasional bleeding might result from vigorous brushing, frequent or consistent bleeding should not be ignored.

This bleeding is often a symptom of gingivitis, but it can also be an indicator of advancing gum disease.

What to Do: Gently brush and floss daily to remove plaque, and schedule a dental check-up to assess your gum health.

3. Persistent Bad Breath or a Bad Taste in the Mouth

Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, can be a sign of periodontal disease. The buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria in the mouth can lead to a foul odor that won’t go away, even after brushing or using mouthwash.

Gum disease creates pockets between the teeth and gums where food particles, bacteria, and plaque can accumulate. These pockets are difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing, resulting in bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth.

What to Do: Use a tongue scraper and brush your tongue regularly, but visit a dentist to address the underlying cause if bad breath persists.

4. Receding Gums

Gum recession is another common sign of periodontal disease. This occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth’s surface or even its root. Gum recession can make teeth appear longer and may cause sensitivity, particularly to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.

Receding gums not only affect the appearance of your smile but also weaken the support around your teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay and potential loss.

What to Do: Once gums have receded, they won’t grow back on their own. Early intervention, such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), can prevent further damage.

5. Loose or Shifting Teeth

As gum disease progresses into periodontitis, it affects the bones and ligaments that support the teeth. This can cause teeth to become loose or shift in their positions. You might notice changes in your bite or the way your teeth fit together when chewing. In severe cases, teeth may even fall out.

Loose teeth indicate advanced periodontal disease and require immediate attention to prevent tooth loss.

What to Do: See a dentist right away for an evaluation. In severe cases, periodontal surgery may be required to stabilize the teeth.

6. Gum Pockets or Pus Between the Gums and Teeth

Periodontal disease often leads to the formation of deep pockets between the gums and teeth. These pockets become infected, leading to the development of pus, a clear indicator that the gums are not healthy. The infection, if left untreated, can spread and destroy the supporting bone.

This stage of gum disease is called periodontitis, and it requires immediate treatment to prevent further damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues.

What to Do: Treatment may involve deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) or surgical procedures to remove the infection and close the pockets.

7. Pain When Chewing or Biting

Discomfort or pain when chewing or biting is a less common symptom but can still indicate the presence of advanced gum disease. This pain might occur due to inflammation around the teeth or because of loose teeth caused by the breakdown of supporting structures. If you experience this symptom, it’s crucial to have it evaluated as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

What to Do: Consult with your dentist for a comprehensive evaluation. The sooner gum disease is treated, the less likely you are to experience tooth loss.

8. Tooth Sensitivity

Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods is another sign of gum disease. As gums recede and the protective layer of gum tissue thins, it exposes the more sensitive parts of the teeth, including the roots. This exposure makes teeth more susceptible to decay and can result in discomfort when eating certain foods.

What to Do: Consider using toothpaste for sensitive teeth and consult with your dentist about ways to protect your gums and prevent further recession.

9. Changes in Your Bite

Periodontal disease can change the alignment of your teeth. You may notice that your teeth no longer fit together the way they used to or that your dentures no longer fit comfortably. This shifting is caused by the destruction of the bone and tissue that supports your teeth, leading to changes in how you bite and chew.

What to Do: Any changes in your bite should be evaluated by a dentist to prevent further complications.

10. Visible Tartar Buildup

Tartar, a hardened form of plaque, can build up along the gumline and contribute to gum disease. Tartar appears as a yellow or brown deposit on the teeth and is difficult to remove with regular brushing. Once tartar forms, professional dental cleaning is required to remove it.

What to Do: Regular professional cleanings are essential to prevent tartar buildup, which can lead to gum inflammation and periodontal disease.

Conclusion

Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss and other health issues if left untreated. Recognizing the early signs, such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth, is essential for preventing further damage. While regular oral hygiene can help manage early stages of gum disease, professional treatment is often necessary to address advanced symptoms. If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to schedule a dental appointment promptly to protect your oral health.