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Early Signs of Periodontal Disease: How to Recognize Them

Posted September 17, 2024 in Periodontal Disease

close-up of woman's teeth shows gum

Having healthy gums is essential for maintaining good oral health and creating a beautiful smile. When bacterial infections develop in the gums, you’re more susceptible to losing teeth. This blog discusses gingivitis and signs to look out for when it comes to periodontal disease.

3 Min Read:

Maintaining a Dazzling Smile

Our smiles are a big part of our personalities and help us express our feelings. Many people have an idea of their perfect smile, often involving straight, white teeth. Yet, not as many people consider the appearance of their gums when envisioning their ideal smile. The gums are an integral part of a smile; they support the teeth and serve as a protective barrier against bacteria. Maintaining healthy gums is not only good for your oral and overall health but also keeps your smile looking its very best.

Healthy gums should be a consistent light pink color and firmly fit around the teeth with no gaps. Some signs that the gums are unhealthy may include redness, swelling, and bleeding. Staying on top of these signs is essential, as they could be indicators of periodontal disease. When left untreated, this condition can progress to tooth loss.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Unhealthy gums can eventually lead to gum disease, which can seriously impact your oral health. Periodontal disease, also referred to as gum disease, occurs when there are infections in the gums, often due to bacterial build-up. Once infected, the gums tend to appear inflamed and will bleed easily. When periodontal disease persists and is not treated, the gums can recede from the teeth to the point where they are separated, leaving gaps between the gums and teeth. These gaps become infected pockets that trap more bacteria, allowing the gum tissue and bone to continue to deteriorate. This can lead to tooth loss, making treatments such as dental implants necessary.

What Does Gingivitis Periodontal Disease Look Like?

Gingivitis is known as the mildest form of gum disease. With proper treatment and oral care, gingivitis can be reversed, restoring healthy and strong gums. Gingivitis often appears as swollen gums. The gums also tend to be a bright or dark red color, feel tender to the touch, and bleed when brushing and flossing. If you notice signs of gingivitis, it is important to see your dentist so you can receive treatment.

What Are Common Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. It is important to familiarize yourself with the signs of periodontal disease so you can look out for them and detect them early on if they develop.

Some signs of periodontal disease include:

  • Overly red gums
  • Bad breath
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Receding gum line
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Tender gums
  • Loose teeth

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a periodontist, which is a dentist specializing in treating periodontal disease.

Want to Know More About Periodontal Disease?

One of the best ways to prevent periodontal disease is to maintain good oral hygiene and consistently look out for any warning signs. To learn more about periodontal disease or to schedule a consultation with periodontist Dr. Salamati in Los Angeles, CA, call (310) 275-1090 or fill out our online message form.