7 Signs That You May Have Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease—also called gum disease and periodontitis—is one of the most common reasons behind adult tooth loss. But periodontal infections also strain your immune system, putting you at a greater risk of heart disease, pneumonia, and a dozen other serious health conditions.
Fortunately, periodontal disease is treatable with the help of your dentist, but you can’t reverse it at home like you would with gingivitis. Here are seven signs that you may need a deep cleaning due to gum disease:
- You Have Visible Tartar Buildup (Calculus)
Tartar (calculus) is calcified, rocky-like deposits of bacteria attached to your teeth. Tartar tends to accumulate the heaviest along your gumlines and under the gums, on the root surfaces of teeth. Most people don’t notice this buildup until our Clear Lake dentist takes X-rays. A deep cleaning is recommended if you see heavy tartar deposits around your teeth and other signs of gum disease.
Dental calculus can be compared to an iceberg. The majority of what you see on your teeth isn’t all that’s there; the worst of it is usually below the gums.
- Chronic Bleeding Gums
If your gums are bleeding easily, you may need to have a deep cleaning. Bleeding gums can be caused by gingivitis, and your gums usually bleed when you floss or brush. Good home care can help bleeding gums improve in two weeks if it’s just gingivitis. But any bleeding that continues beyond this point usually indicates active periodontal disease.
Healthy gum tissues do not bleed. Bleeding can be an early sign of a gum infection. Fortunately, gingivitis is a minor condition that can be easily treated with proper brushing, daily flossing, and professional cleanings. Chronic bleeding is usually a periodontal infection lurking below the gum tissues where your toothbrush and floss don’t reach.
- Receding Gumlines (Gum Recession).
Gum tissues that become diseased will naturally pull away from your tooth roots. This can lead to exposed root surfaces and sensitive teeth, increased root cavities, visible gaps between your teeth, and “pockets” under the gums where bacteria collect. Healthy gums have a pointed “papilla” between each tooth and the root. But people with gum disease normally lose their papilla or have exposed root surfaces.
- Swollen Gum Tissues
Gingivitis can cause swelling and inflammation along the edges of your gums. These symptoms usually improve within a few weeks if you floss and brush your teeth every day. If they don’t improve or the swelling is severe, then you may need to have a deep cleaning because of periodontal disease. The swelling is normal inflammatory response to bacteria beneath your gums. Deep dental cleanings (scaling, root planing) are essential to remove those bacterial deposits.
Side Note: You might not see the same amount of gum bleeding or swelling if you are a smoker or use tobacco products. Because of the effect that nicotine and related products have on your gum tissues, they may look completely healthy even if periodontal disease is lurking deep below the surface.
- Loose Teeth
Advanced gum disease can lead to the destruction of your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. Teeth can feel sore or loose when you press down on them. The discomfort is usually caused by stretching fibers around the roots of your teeth or in your gum tissue. Tooth loss is a common symptom in people suffering from chronic periodontal disease.
- Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Periodontal disease can cause a foul-smelling odor. It’s usually the result of bacteria and necrotic tissue deep below the gum line. Breath mints and mouth rinses will not help and some even make it worse (like those with alcohol or sugar.) A deep cleaning reaches below the tissues and treats bad breath at its source.
Bad breath bacteria can also build up on the tongue. Periodontal disease, however, will make halitosis even worse. No amount of breath mints or mouthwash will help.
- It’s Been a While Since You’ve Had Your Teeth Cleaned
Infrequent teeth cleanings can lead to gum disease because of heavy tartar buildup. If you have gone months or years without having your teeth cleaned, it is possible that you might find out that you have gum disease during your next checkup.
Are you experiencing signs of gum disease? Get in touch with Dr. Rosas immediately!
Gum disease does not have to be the end for your smile’s health. Rosas Family Dentistry in Clear Lake is here to help.