Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease and periodontitis, is a serious medical condition that can lead to the irreversible destruction of bone and gum tissue.  It is the leading cause of adult loose teeth and tooth loss in the developed world, and progressively becomes worse the longer it is left untreated.

Periodontal disease is caused by plaque and toxins that inflame or irritate the gum tissue, or gingiva. Once there is a bacterial infection, this condition is called gingivitis and is the first stage of periodontal disease.

There are many types of periodontal disease including chronic, aggressive, necrotizing, and systemic disease periodontitis. Each type will develop at different speeds and have different symptoms, and all require immediate treatment by a dentist or periodontist in Brooklyn, NY to prevent further tissue and bone loss.

Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Catching periodontal disease in its early stages is essential for preventing damage to the oral region and lifelong discomfort. Schedule regular dental checkups to ensure that your teeth are developing properly.

If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms, schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible:

• Longer-looking teeth
  Gum recession due to harmful toxins and bacteria is a common symptom of periodontal disease. It creates the appearance of gradually lengthening teeth.
  
  
  
• Unexplained bleeding
  Bleeding gums when flossing, brushing, or eating is one of the most common symptoms of periodontal disease. The gum becomes more prone to bleeding as toxins cause bacterial infection.
  
  
  
• Bad breath
  Also called halitosis, bad breath can be caused by debris and bacteria stuck in deep gum pockets caused by periodontal disease. Bad breath can also be caused by food particles on the tongue and teeth, tobacco use, or consumed food, but is a common sign of a more serious condition.
  
  
  
• Loose teeth or changes in bite pattern
  As periodontal disease progresses, teeth are loosened and shifted in the affected areas. Teeth that were once firmly attached to the jawbone may now be in a position that prevents the mouth from closing properly.
  
  
  
• Pain, swelling, or redness
  Swollen, painful, and red gums are a sign of periodontal infection. It is important to treat the infection before more gum tissue and the jawbone are affected, or the infection is carried to other parts of the body.
  
  
  
• Pus
  The body creates pus to fight infection. If there is pus between your teeth, this is a clear sign that a periodontal infection is present.
  

How to treat Periodontal Disease?

Before periodontal disease can lead to further damage, schedule an appointment with your dentist. After an initial full-mouth assessment of the progression of the disease and your condition, a diagnosis will be made as well as a plan of action.

Dentists may choose to use a number of treatment options that range from antibiotic use to surgical treatment. In most cases, the debris in the pockets beneath the gumline will be cleaned out and any other bacteria in the mouth will be killed.

Additional treatments for severe periodontal disease include:

• Tissue & bone grafting
  In cases where much of the patient’s gum tissue and bone has been destroyed, the Brooklyn dentist may insert a membrane in the affected area to stimulate the growth of new tissue.
  
  
  
• Pocket elimination surgery
  Also called “flap surgery”, this procedure reduces the size of the gum pockets to prevent major debris and bacteria build-up in the future.
  
  
  
• Laser treatment
  These are also used to considerably reduce the size of the pockets between the teeth and gums.
  

If you have any questions or concerns about periodontal disease signs and symptoms, please contact Brooklyn Dentist. We treat patients throughout Brooklyn including Crown Heights, Fort Greene, and Park Slope, and are happy to help however we can.