Everyone wants a healthy mouth, but sometimes a busy schedule causes a lapse in good habits. If routine oral care is skipped too often, it can lead to a buildup of bacteria that causes chronic dental health issues. One such condition is periodontal disease or gum disease, when gum tissue and the supporting bone become badly infected. The following guide explores the telltale signs of this oral health issue.

How to Recognize the Signs of Periodontal Disease 

1. Gum Recession

As plaque builds up along the gumline, it irritates the tissue. Gums become inflamed and frequently bleed, especially when brushing, flossing, or consuming crunchy foods. They also feel tender when you touch them or bite down and appear red or purplish-colored. As gum tissue becomes more inflamed, it begins pulling away from the tooth's roots and forming “pockets” where bacteria collect. The teeth look longer as the recession becomes more severe. If the bacteria are not removed from receding gums via deep teeth cleaning by a dentist, the infected tissue can sustain abscesses or pockets of pus attempting to contain the infection. 

2. Chronic Bad Breath

Mouth bacteria are among the leading causes of bad breath. Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, is a periodontal disease sign because bacteria levels are high. If brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash do not solve your breath issue, bacteria have accumulated in gum pockets and require removal by a dentist. Most dental professionals recommend root planing and scaling for gum disease patients, in which they use special cleaning tools to remove debris below the gumline and encourage tissue reattachment with tooth roots. Severe gum disease typically calls for gum grafting or using gum tissue to treat receding areas. 

3. Loose Teeth 

Without timely treatment, gum recession becomes so serious it creates an unstable foundation for the teeth. Loose teeth can eventually fall out as the disease spreads to the bone and breaks it down. Gum grafting and dental implants can provide a solution if enough gum tissue is present. Dentures offer solutions as well, depending on your dental health. The dentist takes x-rays to determine the degree of bone loss before creating a treatment plan. 

If you suspect you may have periodontal disease, make an appointment with Gregory Sy, DDS, & Associates. Serving Amherst and Lorain, OH, this dentist offers a range of general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services. He makes a point of getting to know his patients to provide the best treatments possible. Call (440) 282-9550 to schedule your appointment, or visit the website for details on periodontal therapy.