Common Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a very common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Its effects not only impact the oral environment, but can cause harm to a number of other bodily systems. Caused by over 600 types of harmful, destructive oral bacteria, periodontal disease can inflict extensive damage on the gum tissues, periodontal ligament and bone that support the teeth. The teeth become at risk for mobility and subsequent loss when these oral structures begin to deteriorate.
Early Identification is Key
Identifying the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease early on is key to preventing its progression and further harm to the mouth and body. Ranging from bad breath to tooth pain, a number of symptoms may occur when periodontal disease is present in the mouth. Consider the following common symptoms of periodontal disease:
Bleeding Gums
One of the first noticeable symptoms of periodontal disease is gum tissues that bleed while brushing or flossing. Bleeding is never normal, and should always be considered a cause for concern. If you experience bleeding in one or more areas when brushing and/or flossing, a visit to your dentist or periodontist is in order.
Swollen Gums
Swollen or inflamed gum tissues indicate the presence of infection. When the inflammatory response in the mouth begins due to the presence of bacterial toxins, the body and its tissues respond by swelling and becoming red in color. Localized areas of swelling that last only a day or two could be due to food or other debris becoming trapped between the teeth and gums. However, any swelling or inflammation that persists for longer periods of time should be evaluated by your dentist or periodontist, as this may indicate the presence of periodontal disease.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Bad breath, formally known as “halitosis,” is frequently a symptom of periodontal disease. The bacteria responsible for causing periodontal infection produce sulfur compounds, which emit an unpleasant odor. This factor, coupled with lack of proper homecare and oral hygiene, often leads to noticeable bad breath. The good news, however, is that once periodontal disease is treated and controlled, bad breath caused by this oral infection is eliminated.
Receding Gums
Periodontal disease destroys the attachment between the gum tissues and surfaces of the teeth, particularly the root portions. It also causes destruction of the underlying, supportive bone. When the bone recedes, so do the gum tissues, as the gums have a natural tendency to follow the bone. Gum recession is characterized by tissues that have receded down the root of the tooth, exposing this delicate surface. Tooth roots have tiny openings on their surfaces that communicate directly with the nerve center of the tooth. Any external stimuli (such as food, beverages or mechanical actions) can induce sensitivity on the roots, resulting in tooth pain. Though receding gums can be caused by a number of factors, periodontal disease is often the culprit.
Loose Teeth
When the structures that surround the teeth become irreversibly damaged, their ability to support the teeth is endangered. Oral bacteria cause damage to the gum tissues, periodontal ligament and bone, loosening their grip on the teeth they are intended to support. Significant bone loss resulting from periodontal disease leads to loose teeth. While there are varying classes of tooth mobility, ranging from slight to severe, any degree of movement can make it uncomfortable or difficult to chew and function normally. Loose teeth is a periodontal disease symptom that requires immediate attention.
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain often is not a symptom of periodontal disease until the condition reaches the advanced stages. Several factors related to periodontal disease may be responsible for tooth pain, such as:
- Exposed root surfaces (gum recession)
- Presence of a periodontal abscess
- Loose teeth or teeth that become malpositioned in the socket
Any instances of tooth pain should always be evaluated by a dental professional. In the case of periodontal disease, tooth pain often indicates the infection has progressed to the point of requiring surgical treatment or possible extraction.
Tooth Loss
The primary cause for tooth loss in the United States today is periodontal disease. Tooth loss is the end result of this progressive oral infection, but can be prevented with early identification of symptoms and effective treatment. The process of tooth loss is gradual, beginning with early destruction of the gum and bone tissues and culminating as the condition remains untreated. When enough bone is lost, and there is an insufficient quantity to support a tooth, tooth loss is imminent. In some cases, the tooth may fall out or break off on its own. However, extraction will likely be recommended when periodontal disease has progressed to this point.