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Do I Have Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease About 47% of American adults suffer from periodontal disease, making it one of the most common oral diseases in the country. Surprisingly, not everyone who suffers through this condition is aware they have it because they don’t see or notice any of the symptoms in the early stages (gingivitis).

Periodontal disease is dangerous because it affects not only the gums but also the bone that surrounds the teeth. The disease can become very severe if neglected and cause tooth loss. According to the CDC, around 70% of adults who have periodontal disease have a more advanced case called periodontitis.

It is vital to understand if you have periodontal disease. And even more important to recognize it in the early stages so that it can be controlled and treated. To do so, you need to ask yourself a few questions to determine if you are suffering from this diseases or not.

How Can I Know If I Have Periodontal Disease If I Don’t Have Any Pain in the Early Stages?

In many types of gum diseases, including periodontal disease, you may not experience pain until your gums get worse. However, there are still many ways to recognize and pinpoint if you suffer from it or not.

The state of your gums can tell you if there is something wrong with them. The most common signs of periodontal disease are that your gums will start to swell up, and might even bleed when touched or when you put pressure on them.

Do Your Gums Bleed When You Floss or Brush Regularly?

Since periodontal disease weakens the soft and hard tissues in the gums, they bleed easily when pressure is applied or when they come into contact with something.

You should pay attention to your gums and teeth while flossing and brushing. If they bleed on a regular basis while doing so, then it’s a sign that you might have this disease and should consult your family dentist.

Are Your Gums Inflamed?

Periodontal disease doesn’t happen naturally, it develops slowly over time due to negligence and poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush regularly and/or properly, food particles get stuck to the gums and teeth and allow bacteria to grow.

Periodontal disease occurs when a tiny film of bacteria starts to build up around the gums. This plaque (bacteria) excretes an acid which inflames the gums and makes them red and swollen.

Do You Notice Bad Breath Coming from Your Mouth?

If you suffer from periodontal disease, you might also notice that you have bad breath all the time. While you might think this is halitosis (the official name for bad breath), you could really be suffering from periodontal disease.

The bacteria in your mouth which feeds on the food debris causes your bad breath, which is also a major sign of periodontal disease.

Are There Gaps Between Your Teeth?

Once periodontitis progresses to the later stages, it will begin to cause bone loss in the mouth. The inflammation caused by the disease not only attacks the gums but also the bone that houses the teeth. Gradually, these bones begin to weaken and new spaces are created between the teeth.

If you notice frequent gaps between your teeth then you may be suffering from periodontal disease. You should waste no time in getting in touch with a dentist if this is a case.

Do You Notice Pus Between the Teeth and Gums?

The presence of bacteria in the mouth does more than just contaminate the breath and make the gums bleed and inflamed. It causes an infection around the gums which allows pus to build up between the teeth and on the gums. This yellowish brown pus is an infection which produces mild to severe pain in your mouth and weakens the foundation of your teeth.

Are Your Gums Receding?

Gum receding is a process which causes you to lose the gums around your teeth. When this happens,  your teeth may come off or cause severe pain.

What Should You Do If You Notice Any One of the Signs Above?

If you or someone you know has been dealing with any of these signs then visiting a dentist is the only option. If periodontal disease is left untreated, not only will it make your teeth decay but may also lead to many other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

We at SK Family Dental treat this and many other dental conditions. Call (253) 770-0198 today to speak to our dental team today.

About Dr. Samuel Kwon

Dr. Kwon graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 2004. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from UCLA. Dr. Kwon has been practing dentistry for over 10 years at his practice in Puyallup, WA.

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