When patients are able to spot periodontal disease in its earliest stages, they are able to get prompt treatment and minimize their risk of developing long-term oral health issues. That is why our O’Fallon dentists are here with some information about how gum disease manifests. We hope that this short article helps you monitor your own smile for signs of gum disease.
The first thing to consider is how your gum tissue looks. Healthy gum tissue can appear any number of shades of pink and beige. As gums become infected, they can start to look redder and more brightly/intensely colored.
Additionally, you might find that your gums are prone to bleeding. Patients with gum disease often experience bleeding gums when they floss their smiles or when they eat abrasive foods. Bleeding gum tissue is a sign that your blood vessels are weakened due to infection and inflammation.
Hard-to-treat bad breath is another common side effect of gum disease. This type of bad breath develops because the oral bacteria that have infected your gums release unpleasant odors as they multiply. If you find that it’s hard to freshen your breath no matter what you eat or how often you clean your smile, you may be suffering from periodontal disease.
Advanced gum disease undermines the very structure of your smile. Over time, periodontal disease causes your teeth to loosen, your gum tissue to pull away from your enamel, and your connective tissues and jawbone to deteriorate. This is why gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adult dental patients.
If you think that you may be suffering from gum disease, our O’Fallon dentists are here to help you reclaim a strong and healthy smile. The best way to get started is to call our office and schedule a personal consultation. You can also use the Contact Us page on our site to submit an inquiry for our team and we’ll be happy to get back to you right away!