What Are the Early Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal gum disease, or periodontitis, is a condition characterized by infection of the gums. The disease is due to plaque buildup on the teeth and gums, causing tartar that irritates the teeth. Bacteria in the mouth can infect and damage teeth, bone, and oral tissue. 
 

Periodontitis affects almost 70 percent of adults over 65 and nearly half of individuals over 30. Good oral hygiene can help prevent the buildup of plaque. It helps to find out the early warning signs of periodontal disease. 

Causes of Periodontal Disease 

The mouth is full of bacteria. Failing to brush and floss regularly causes the bacteria to form a thin film on the teeth known as plaque. A buildup of the plaque can lead to tartar or dental calculus. When tartar sticks to the teeth, only a dental practitioner can remove it. 
 

Some people have a high risk of developing periodontitis, including those with AIDS or diabetes. Smokers are more prone to getting gum disease. Other risk factors are certain medications and hormonal changes. 

Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease

The buildup of plaque can lead to gingivitis or early gum disease. If not treated, the condition develops into periodontitis. Some signs can indicate a person has periodontal disease. They include:

• Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing.

• Bad breath.

• Receding gums.

• Red and swollen gums.

• Teeth that are moving apart.

• Pain when chewing.

• Loose or sensitive teeth.

• Painful and tender gums.

• Change in the bite.

If you notice signs of gum disease, visit your dentist as soon as possible. Failure to get prompt treatment can increase the risk of tooth, bone, or gum tissue loss. 

Diagnosing Periodontal Disease 

During the diagnosis, the dentist will examine the teeth and gums for plaque and buildup of tartar. If they notice inflamed tissue, they measure the pockets between the gums and teeth using a probe. 

The dentist will conduct investigations if the pockets are deeper than three millimeters. X-rays may be taken to check for tooth and bone damage in the sections with deep pockets. The dentist will refer the patient to a periodontist if the disease is past the early or mild stage.

Treatment for Periodontal Disease 

Treatment for periodontal disease will depend on the stage. Mild periodontitis may be treated with antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Scaling and root planing are nonsurgical procedures that help with treatment. 

Scaling helps remove tartar and bacteria from under the teeth and gums before smoothing the surface. It helps prevent the buildup of more plaque and tartar. Advanced periodontal disease may require surgery. Surgical procedures include bone grafting, flap surgery, soft tissue grafting, and guided tissue regeneration. 

Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

They include:

• Certain diseases like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Certain medications that lead to gum changes or dry mouth.

• Conditions that lead to decreased immunity, including HIV and leukemia.

• Poor oral hygiene.

• Smoking or chewing tobacco.

• Gingivitis.

• Genetics.

• Hormonal changes.

• Obesity.

• Poor nutrition.

• Recreational drug use.

Periodontal disease may be prevalent, but it is preventable. Regular dental checkups help in the detection of early gum disease.

For more early warning signs of periodontal disease, visit Perio Atlanta at our Atlanta, Georgia office. Call (404) 352-3123 to schedule an appointment.