Santa Monica Dentist Helps You Spot The Signs Of Developing Periodontal Disease

Written by Dr. Follette on Jul 25, 2017

Many people notice subtle changes to their smiles without realizing why they’re dealing with oral health issues. The truth is that many general oral health complaints can be attributed to gum disease and periodontal disease. Our Santa Monica periodontal dentists know that early detection and treatment for gum disease is imperative to maintaining long-term oral health. So, with that in mind, we’re here to review some common symptoms of gum disease—let’s get started!

Bleeding gums: one of the first things that many gum disease sufferers notice is that their gum tissue is prone to bleeding, especially when the patient brushes or flosses. Many people consider bleeding gum tissue be practically unavoidable, but the truth is that strong gum tissue is less likely to bleed.

Bad breath: it’s normal for people to experience bad breath after eating or drinking something malodorous. However, if you’re dealing with chronic bad breath, that is difficult to eliminate, this may be a sign of a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. This is because the same bacteria that cause dental infections release unpleasant odors.

Pain and sensitivity: there are a number of potential causes of dental sensitivity, and one of them is periodontal disease. As gum tissue begins to pull away from the patient’s teeth, the patients dental roots and nerves are left exposed—this creates dental pain and sensitivity.

It is crucial that you seek prompt treatment for gum disease, as long-term effects of this disease can include:

  • Periodontal pockets, or spots at which gum disease pulls away from the patient’s teeth—these pockets of gum tissue become prime spot in which oral bacteria accumulate and multiply
  • As the connective tissues under the patient’s gum tissue weaken, you may find that your teeth start to shift along the gum line
  • Severe periodontal disease leads to tooth loss as well as bone tissue deterioration

Our Santa Monica gum disease dentists are here to provide you with the information, support, and treatment that you need to improve and maintain your oral health. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our dental team and schedule a personal consultation!