Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, can damage your gum tissue, cause a serious bacterial infection, and even loosen your teeth. Fortunately, your Rancho Cucamonga, CA, dentists, Dr. Peter Yanes and Dr. Rossina Escobar-Yanes, can help you protect your gums and teeth from the devastating effects of periodontal disease.
7 signs and symptoms that may mean you have gum disease
Periodontal disease may start slowly and initially cause symptoms that don't seem very serious at first glance. Although you may be tempted to overlook minor changes in your gums, ignoring gum disease symptoms will only worsen the disease.
If you have gum disease, you may notice these signs and symptoms:
- Bleeding When You Brush and Floss: Bleeding when brushing and flossing is an early warning sign. It may occur if you have gingivitis, the mildest form of periodontal disease. At this stage, a dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene could reverse your symptoms.
- Sore, Red, Puffy Gums: Your gums may be tender and look red and swollen if you have gum disease.
- Pain When Chewing: You may notice that chewing is painful due to inflammation and tenderness in your gums.
- Receding Gums: Gum tissue may begin to recede from your teeth, making them look longer.
- Sensitivity: Receding gums expose your sensitive tooth roots. You may notice pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, and sugary foods and beverages.
- Loose Teeth or Dentures: Bacteria can destroy the ligaments, gum tissue, and bone that hold your teeth in place, causing them to loosen or fall out. Changes in the fit of dentures may also happen if you have gum disease.
- Pockets: In the most severe form of gum disease, the gums may pull away from the teeth. These deep pockets collect bacteria and debris.
It's important to get in touch with the Rancho Cucamonga dental office if you notice any potential signs or symptoms of periodontal disease. Depending on the severity of the disease, you may need a simple cleaning or a deep cleaning, or might benefit from surgery to close pockets around the teeth, antibiotics, or bone or tissue grafts to replace gum tissue and damaged bone.
Don't let gum disease ruin your smile! Call your dentists in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Dr. Peter Yanes, and Dr. Rossina Escobar-Yanes, at (909) 466-4495 if you're concerned about periodontal disease or need to schedule your next checkup and cleaning.