Gum disease, if left untreated, can wreak havoc on your smile. Advanced gum disease will spread throughout your mouth and weaken connective tissues and your jawbone. Take control of your smile by minimizing your risk of developing periodontal disease. Keep reading to learn more from our O’Fallon gum disease dentists.
The basics of gum disease
The same oral bacteria that cause cavities can also infiltrate your gum tissue, resulting in periodontal disease. Periodontal disease actually refers to gum disease that has advanced to breaking down the gum tissue, and connective tissues that hold your teeth in place.
How to recognize periodontal disease
While gum disease can present asymptomatically in its earliest stages, by the time that it becomes periodontal disease, you are likely to notice some unwanted changes to your smile. If you recognize some of these symptoms from you own life, please reach out to your dental team for support:
- Hard-to-treat bad breath
- Gum tissue that is pulling away from the patient’s teeth. As the gums recede you may notice “periodontal pockets” or gaps between your enamel and your gums. Periodontal pockets tend to collect bacteria, dental debris, and food particles, exacerbating the infection.
- Gum tissue that is prone to bleeding, especially when you are flossing or eating something crunchy.
- Swollen or sore gums
- Loose teeth
Restore oral health with prompt treatment
The sooner you are able to start treating gum disease, the better your long-term oral health prognosis will be. Periodontal disease treatment differs from patient to patient, depending on the severity of the infection. You may benefit from:
- More frequent professional cleanings
- Laser periodontal treatment
- A more robust at-home oral hygiene routine
- Integrating a mouth rinse into your routine
- Gum tissue grafts
The best way to get started is to contact our O’Fallon gum disease dentists to schedule a personal consultation. We are here to help you defeat gum disease for good!