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.
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.
- Respiratory Disease
Recent research suggests that bacteria found in the throat, as well as bacteria found in the mouth, can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract. This can cause infections or worsen existing lung conditions. People with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, typically suffer from reduced protective systems, making it difficult to eliminate bacteria from the lungs.
- Stroke
- Pregnancy Problems
Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be more likely to have a baby born too early and too small. Patients in certain higher risk categories should pay particular attention to any signs and symptoms of periodontal disease.
If you have any of these symptoms, visit your dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and advice. Or call us on 020 7247 7400 to speak our friendly team or fill out our contact form.