Early Detection Is Essential for Your Health
The earlier we detect a disease, the easier it is to treat. This is certainly true when it comes to periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that can devastate your smile. If left untreated, periodontal disease may even lead to the loss of teeth.
Periodontal disease is also referred to as gum disease. You can help prevent it by visiting our dentists in Swansea, IL for regular checkups at Corner Stone Dental where you’ll be provided with thorough professional cleanings. This will remove the plaque, tartar, and other debris which feed the bacteria that cause gum disease.
We’ll also perform a complete examination of your smile using advanced diagnostic tools. If we detect early signs of periodontal disease, we can provide noninvasive treatment strategies. If your periodontal disease is more advanced, we have remedies for all stages of gum disease.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Unexplained bleeding — One of the most common signs of periodontal disease is bleeding gums when you brush, floss, or eat. Toxins in plaque can make the tissue more prone to bleeding.
- Pain, redness, or swelling — Swollen gums that are red and painful are another common symptom.
- Your teeth look longer — Your gums will begin to recede, pulling away from your teeth and exposing more of their structure.
- Bad breath/halitosis — Periodontal disease creates deep gum pockets that house foul-smelling debris and bacteria.
- Loose teeth — As your gums pull away from your teeth and bone tissue is destroyed, your teeth will begin to loosen or shift position.
- Pus — If you see pus oozing from between your teeth, it’s a definite sign of periodontal infection.
- Teeth fall out — Periodontal disease can eventually cause you to lose one or more teeth.
Causes of Periodontal Disease
- Poor dental hygiene
- Tobacco use
- Family history
- Pregnancy and menopause
- Chronic stress
- Poor diet
- Diabetes
- Grinding your teeth
- Certain medications
- Other medical issues
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have periodontal disease, you may notice that your gums are red and swollen. They may appear to be pulling away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer. Your gums will bleed very easily — many people notice this symptom when they brush their teeth. You may have consistently bad breath.
Four stages of periodontal disease are:
- Gingivitis – This stage is easy to reverse and can often be treated by improving your at-home oral care.
- Slight periodontitis – Once periodontal disease has developed, it isn’t reversible without professional care. At this point, the disease has progressed to attack the bone.
- Moderate periodontitis – The disease continues attacking bone tissue and the periodontal pockets deepen. Non-surgical options can still be used for treatment.
- Advanced periodontitis – Surgery must be used to treat the disease. You’ll experience severe halitosis, loose teeth, swollen gums that ooze, and pain when chewing.
There is no timeline for periodontal disease. Some people develop severe periodontal disease quickly, while others have gingivitis for years without the condition worsening. If you suspect you have periodontal disease or gingivitis, we recommend seeing a dentist to determine how severe it is and to develop a course of action.