Gum disease progresses gradually. You won’t wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and notice that your gum health went downhill overnight. This is why it’s so important to visit your dentist regularly — your dental team will tell you if you have symptoms of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, so that you can take action before it gets worse. They will also provide treatments and offer advice for your at-home oral health routine. But if you haven’t had a check-up in a while, you may not fully realize how bad the situation is. Schedule an appointment ASAP, and watch out for signs of advanced gum disease.
How to Identify Advanced Periodontitis
First, it’s important to remember that there are different stages of periodontitis, which is just another name for gum disease. Today, we’re focusing on the most severe stage of the condition. At this stage, the disease is no longer reversible, but treatment is necessary to halt its progression. The following are all signs of advanced gum disease:
Red, Bleeding, and Tender Gums
Let’s start with the most visible symptom of advanced periodontitis: tender gums. They will typically be bright red, dark red, or even dark purple in color. They may be swollen or puffy and will likely feel sore or tender to the touch. They will bleed easily, especially when you brush or floss. You might also notice that your toothbrush bristles and saliva are pink or red with blood. In severe cases, you may develop open sores or ulcers.
Exposed Tooth Roots & Pus Around the Gumline
Gums pull away from the teeth when you have periodontitis, exposing more of the tooth roots and making your teeth appear longer. This is also known as receding gums. Pockets develop between the teeth and the gums, growing deeper and deeper as the disease progresses. These pockets fill with bacteria and debris, worsening the infection. You may also notice pus gathering around your gumline.
Bad Breath
Everyone gets bad breath when they eat certain foods, but if your bad breath won’t go away, a deeper issue is likely the cause. Gum disease causes bad breath because the plaque that builds up along the gumline contains foul-smelling bacteria.
Loose Teeth (or Tooth Loss)
Are your teeth loose in their sockets? In the most advanced stages of gum disease, the plaque buildup spreads from the gums to the ligaments and bones that support your teeth. Bone loss and ligament damage may cause your teeth to feel wobbly, and they may eventually fall out. In addition, you may notice that your teeth aren’t fitting together properly when you bite.
Altered Taste and Pain When Chewing
You will likely notice a foul taste in your mouth, which is the result of bacteria and decay. Sometimes this taste is described as bitter, salty, or metallic. In addition, because your teeth will be loose, you may experience pain when biting and chewing as your teeth shift around.
Widespread Bodily Harm
If periodontal disease is left untreated, the bacteria that causes it may actually reach far beyond the teeth and gums. In fact, it’s associated with a number of serious health conditions, including diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, and pregnancy complications.
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Have you spotted any signs of advanced gum disease in your own mouth or the mouth of a loved one? Schedule an appointment with a dentist right away so that you can get a diagnosis and begin treatment. Although advanced gum disease is not reversible, periodontal therapy can reduce inflammation, shrink pocket depths, remove detectable plaque, and, ideally, halt the progression of the disease. In addition, you’ll need to commit to a daily at-home oral health routine as well as periodic maintenance cleanings to keep the disease in check.
If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Our team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. For exceptional and comprehensive dental care, schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!