Recognizing the Symptoms of Early Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two most damaging conditions for your oral health, and unfortunately, more than 47%of adults over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease.

This oral health issue is so prevalent because it’s easy to develop it and not know it. The symptoms are often subtle early on, and by the time you become aware of it, it may have already caused some serious damage.

Our team at Wilshire Park Dental Groupwants you to know how to recognize the early symptoms of periodontal disease so you can protect your teeth, mouth, and overall oral health.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, which is also sometimes referred to as gum disease, is a dental condition that affects the structures around your teeth, including your gums and periodontal ligament. Periodontal disease typically starts out as gingivitis, which is mild inflammation of your gums, before it develops into the more serious gum infection known as periodontitis.

When bacteria are allowed to build up on your teeth, they form a film called plaque. When the plaque hardens, it turns into tartar, which can spread to the gum line and wreak havoc on your oral health. Once the tartar buildup reaches past your gum line, only a specialized professional can access it and clean it out.

Who is at risk for periodontal disease?

There are many factors that can contribute to your risk of getting periodontal disease, such as:

• Genetics
• Having a diet low in nutrients
• Clenching or grinding your teeth
• Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
• Hormonal changes

Having overall poor oral hygiene increases your risk of developing periodontal disease in some capacity.

The warning signs of periodontal disease

It’s very common to not experience any kind of pain or serious discomfort with periodontal disease, especially early on. Because of this, it’s important to know the symptoms so you can recognize if you need to seek periodontal gum treatment with us.

These are some signs to be on the lookout for:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing
• Receding gum line
• Change in tooth alignment
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or sensitive teeth

Some of these symptoms can be associated with other health conditions, so make sure and keep your provider informed in order to receive proper care and treatment.

If you notice signs of early periodontal disease, our team is ready to help you reclaim your oral health and prevent tooth decay or loss. To schedule an appointment with us, call our office located in Koreatown, Los Angeles, California or use our online booking tool today.