Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. This is a condition that causes inflammation of the tissue around the patient’s teeth. It is caused by bacteria building up in the area. Keep reading to learn about some of the symptoms of this condition.
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time. In the end, it can cause the teeth to be lost. It starts out as gingivitis, a bacterial infection. That causes the gums to become inflamed.
The toxins released by the plaque can destroy the jawbones and the gums. This will negatively affect how a person speaks, looks and chews. No matter what stage a patient is in, immediate treatment is required. There are several signs of each of the stages.
The gums may look inflamed or feel painful. The infection can quickly spread and stopping it is critical. Without treatment, it can enter the bloodstream. Then it will affect other body parts.
Bleeding is another sign that patients might notice. Brushing or flossing can irritate the inflamed gums. However, even just eating can cause issues. Patients who are going through menopause or pregnancy can also have bleeding gums.
There are many causes of bad breath besides gum disease. For example, some foods may be very pungent. The smell can come from the lungs, back of the tongue or stomach. Tobacco use or smoking can also cause bad breath.
Sometimes, food particles are caught between the patient’s teeth and move under the gumline. However, patients who have gum disease are more likely to suffer from bad breath. With the pockets formed by the disease, food particles can become trapped there. This can be a red flag.
Gum disease can cause the tissue to move away from the teeth. It happens when the bacteria have damaged the tissue. This makes the teeth look longer. Then the smile will appear to be “toothy.” With treatment, the patient may receive gum grafts to restore the smile.
In more advanced stages, pus may appear between the teeth. The body makes this when it needs to fight off an infection. Antibiotics may be used before and during treatment. This can kill off harmful bacteria.
In the more advanced stages, the teeth will start to become looser. The teeth will then shift around in the mouth. This happens when the bone tissue is destroyed. It can then no longer properly support the teeth. At this stage, the patient will most likely need to undergo several advanced treatments. The goal will be to save the remaining teeth.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you should seek treatment immediately. Your overall health can be negatively affected by this condition. The earlier that you catch gum disease, the more reversible it is. The right home care can go a long way toward treating it.
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