Over half of adults in this country have some degree of periodontal disease, but do you know what it is? Periodontal disease is an inflammation caused by plaque that forms on your teeth, and is the number-one cause of tooth loss among adults in the US.
Six signs and symptoms of Periodontal Disease are:
Bad Breath
How is your breath? Chronic bad breath is one of the earliest signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. Perhaps someone you love struggles with bad-smelling breath; they might also have an early case of this all-too common condition.
Bleeding Gums
If you notice pink on your toothbrush or floss after using, this could be a sign of bleeding gums. Bleeding gums are another sign of periodontal disease. If you notice bleeding when brushing or flossing, share this with your dental provider at your next appointment. Don’t have an appointment? Make one.
Swollen Gums
Another sign of this dental condition is redness and inflammation along the gums and gum line. If they are tender to the touch, and often uncomfortable when brushing or flossing, you could have periodontal disease and need to visit a dentist to prevent tooth loss.
Mouth Pain
Do you have pain or discomfort in or along the gums? See your dentist. While this is another key sign of periodontal disease, it could also be other serious oral conditions that merit a visit to your provider.
Wiggly Teeth
If you experience wiggly or loose teeth, this could be a symptom of an underlying dental issue. This applies to your adult teeth which should not be loose unless you have recently experienced dental trauma, like being in an accident or breaking a tooth, and could mean you are at-risk of loosing your teeth due to periodontal disease or another cause.
Poor Habits
Be honest: are you conscientious about brushing and flossing? Poor dental hygiene is another sign of Periodontal Disease, and know that if left untreated, it will eventually lead to the symptoms previously mentioned. Brush daily, after every meal or snack, and floss to prevent the build-up of tartar and formation of plaque. Rinse your mouth with water vigorously if you are unable to brush; this can be just as effective as using mouthwash.
It is important for adults to see their dentist regularly, at least once a year, to treat symptoms and prevent periodontal disease. Your dental provider can remove tartar and plaque along your gum line using a scaling technique that will help to preserve your teeth and curb the repercussions of this common dental condition.
Concerned that you have periodontal disease? Most Americans do; see your dentist in Mt. Pleasant, SC, to treat this condition and prevent it from impacting your teeth or causing tooth loss. Seeing any of these six signs? Talk to Crossland Dental Associates or you provider today.
