Watch Your Mouth: 4 Signs of Periodontal Gum Disease

When your gums are unhealthy, your whole mouth can become unhealthy. Periodontal disease begins as an infection of the gums, but in time, it can affect other parts of your mouth and your overall health as well. Seeking treatment for periodontal gum disease can halt the spread of the infection.

The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which means that your gums are infected. Gingivitis can cause your gums to swell. You might not notice it right away because the gums don’t usually hurt too much at this point. However, they may also start to look red or purple, and they can even bleed. Periodontal gum disease is easiest to treat at this stage, so if you notice swollen, red or bleeding gums, see a dental professional right away.

As gingivitis progresses, the bacteria begin to take hold under the gum line. This leads to inflammation, which can quickly cause a number of additional problems. You may start to notice that you have an unpleasant taste in your mouth all the time or that your breath always smells bad. The bacteria that are living under your gums can give off a sulfur scent that might remind you of rotten eggs. Brushing your teeth or using mouthwash may not provide relief from this foul odor.

The inflammation in your mouth can begin to break down the structures that hold your teeth in place. The gums often start to pull away so that there are pockets of infection between the gums and the teeth. In fact, you may notice that your teeth look longer than they used to. That happens when the gum tissue recedes, allowing you to see more of your tooth structure than before. Alternatively, your teeth may begin to spread apart from one another, or they may not fit together the same when you bite. As your oral structures break down, your teeth may start to feel loose or wiggly.

Foul breath and loose teeth are signs that periodontal disease has progressed beyond gingivitis to periodontitis. Although gingivitis may not involve much discomfort, periodontitis can be quite painful. Your gums and teeth may become sensitive and sore, and pus may ooze out. Chewing with loose teeth can be a difficult ordeal.

If you are experiencing some of these four symptoms of periodontal disease, it’s time to visit a dental professional. Implants or other treatments can help relieve your discomfort and restore your smile.