Is Something Wrong with Your Gums?

Taking care of your mouth is essential for maintaining optimal oral health. There are several steps that are involved in maintaining a healthy mouth.

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The American Dental Association recommends that you brush at least twice a day and floss once daily. In addition to your daily care at home, it is recommended that you have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least every six months. Without proper care, you could be faced with serious oral health issues, including periodontal disease. At David Crumpton, DDS, we can help you to recognize the symptoms of periodontal disease in our Trophy Club, TX dental office, so you can take action right away.

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Periodontal Disease

You most likely know periodontal disease by its more common name, gum disease. This condition is a serious oral health problem that affects more than just your gums. It can impact the health of your teeth, your jawbone, and even your whole body. When it starts, however, it is barely noticeable. Plaque and bacteria that build up in your mouth irritate your gums, which causes the tissue to become inflamed. Because these symptoms are often overlooked, periodontal disease is left to progress. Swollen gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. Bacteria collect in these pockets, where they begin to attack your periodontal ligaments and jawbone. Over time, these supporting structures weaken, causing your teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.

What Symptoms Indicate Periodontal Disease?

There are several symptoms that can point toward periodontal disease. The symptoms you experience will depend upon the severity of your situation. You may not even notice the earliest symptoms. When gum disease begins, it causes red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush and floss. These symptoms are either overlooked or dismissed as unimportant. As periodontal disease progresses, other symptoms begin to show.

Gum recession. As gum disease progresses, the pockets in your gums become deeper as the tissue continues to pull away from your teeth. This tissue eventually dies off, and your gum line becomes lower and lower. You may begin to notice that your teeth appear longer than normal or that small gaps have shown up between your teeth. If the tissue recedes to the roots, you may also begin to notice tooth sensitivity as those roots are exposed.
Tooth loss. In advanced periodontal disease, your jawbone and periodontal ligaments are too weak to hold your teeth anymore. As a result, they may fall out.
Chronic bad breath. Bacteria and other debris collect in the periodontal pockets, and it is impossible to remove them, no matter how much you brush, floss, or rinse your mouth.
Loose teeth. Bacteria that have traveled below the gum line begin attacking periodontal ligaments and the jawbone. These structures gradually weaken, which then leads to tooth instability. Your teeth suddenly become mobile, which can throw off your bite.

More About Gum Recession

How is Periodontal Disease Treated?

The treatment you receive for periodontal disease depends upon how advanced your condition is. The earliest stages of periodontal disease, or gingivitis, can often be treated with a thorough dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene practices. Scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning, may be recommended. The more severe the condition, the more invasive the procedures. These treatments include pocket reduction surgery, gum flap surgery, and gum grafting. After receiving treatment for periodontal disease, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene to prevent the issue from occurring again.

If you have noticed any warning signs of periodontal disease, it is important that you seek treatment right away. To schedule your consultation, call David Crumpton, DDS at 817-678-7395 today.

Is Something Wrong with Your Gums?

Periodontal Disease

What Symptoms Indicate Periodontal Disease?

How is Periodontal Disease Treated?

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