Recognising periodontal disease

Many of you will recognise some of the gum disease symptoms without even knowing that you are suffering from it. This is because, often, symptoms do not induce pain and, as such, can go unnoticed. Therefore, it’s important that you attend regular check-ups with your dentist and maintain a good upkeep of your oral hygiene.

The early signs of gum disease can be easily spotted, and should not be neglected. Although some of us might have experienced a slight bit of bleeding from overzealous brushing, if bleeding gums are a regular occurrence, then this should not be overlooked. Combine this with red and swollen gums, then gingivitis is more than likely to be the cause. At this stage it is important to persevere with a good brushing technique, along with flossing and gargling with mouthwash. Your dentist can prescribe the appropriate care to fight the symptoms of gum disease you may be experiencing. Whilst it’s easy to believe that there’s not much to worry about, if ignored then it is likely that the infection will develop into periodontitis.

What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

There are many different types, or classes, of periodontitis. Depending on the extent of the infection, symptoms can certainly vary. Periodontal disease is usually painless, which is why it can go unnoticed for prolonged periods of time, until the disease is at an advanced stage. However, there are some signs and symptoms which indicate the presence of a periodontal infection. Although symptoms can be variable, the common signs of periodontal disease can include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums when brushing or at other times
• Achy, itchy, sore or tender gums
• Receding gums (teeth begin to look longer)
• Pus between your teeth and gums when you press on your gums
• Bad breath or bad taste
• Migration, protruding and loosening of your teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Spaces between your teeth

If you recognise any of the early symptoms of periodontal disease, either from the aforementioned list or from alternative sources, it’s important not to ignore them. The quicker you learn you may be suffering from an infection of some kind, the faster it can be treated and the possibility of it being serious diminishes greatly the sooner it is detected. The above are a serious sign as to the deterioration of your oral health. Any abnormalities with your teeth should not be disregarded. Healthy gums should be pink, firm and should not be tender when you brush or touch them. You know your teeth better than anyone, and if you are experiencing any abnormalities, you should book an appointment to have your teeth and gums checked by a dentist. Any of the symptoms we have mentioned can be gum disease symptoms and require the attention of your dentist or specialist.

Catch any Gum Problems Early

The symptoms gum disease cause are not particularly pleasant at any stage, more specifically when they are left to develop into extreme cases. Although it’s often been said, treating the infection at the early stages is very important. As soon as an infection occurs within the body, our immune system fights to counteract it. However, the combination of both the bacterial infection and our own body’s natural reaction can cause the plaque to spread. Not only is prevention better than cure, but the further the infection develops and the deeper the gum line pockets get, the less likely it is that the problem can be reversed. Certain symptoms periodontal disease induce can progress into further dental complaints. If left to advance, the gums can begin to recede causing the supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This can sometimes alter the way the teeth sit, causing them to loosen and, in some severe cases, fall out.

Since pain is a rare symptom, it is possible to be unaware of any of the above changes. Your gums may look and feel normal but periodontal disease can still be present. If you notice any of the above gum disease signs or symptoms of periodontal disease, please contact us for a periodontal evaluation.

It is advisable to attend your general dentist regularly so that special assessment techniques to detect changes in the gums, sometimes including xrays, can be carried out as part of your routine dental examination.

Medical consequences

Research has shown, and experts agree, that there is an association between periodontal diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions. American Association of Periodontology

Periodontal disease is no longer thought of as merely a dental problem. Increasing evidence suggests strong links between periodontal infection and serious medical problems such as:

• Diabetes
  Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications. Research has emerged that suggests that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways – periodontal disease may also make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.

• Heart Disease and Heart Attacks
  Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease.