Bacteria threatens oral health in a number of ways, and we’re not just talking about cavities. Did you know that the same bacteria that infect teeth can also infiltrate your oral tissues? We often refer to this type of infection as “gum disease,” and, when it becomes more severe, “periodontal disease.”
Here’s the deal: timing really matters when it comes to stopping and reversing gum disease. The earlier you are able to seek treatment, the better for your health, your wallet, and your stress-level. With that in mind our Santa Monica gum disease dentist is sharing a few commonly experienced symptoms of gum disease. If you recognize any of these problems from your day-to-day routine, we encourage you to reach out to your dental team for help.
Visual Changes
One of the first things that you may notice is that your gums look different than they used to. They may be redder than usual, and appear inflamed. If your gum tissue is become jagged or uneven, this is also a sign of infection. Finally, if you see periodontal pockets—gaps where your teeth and gums meet—you’re likely dealing with periodontal disease.
Discomfort
As your oral tissues breakdown, you may experience sensitivity or pain. This is even more likely to happen when you consume something cold, acidic, or sweet.
Bad Breath
Another hallmark of periodontal disease is hard-to-treat bad breath. As oral bacteria grow and multiply in your mouth, they actually release odors as a byproduct. The more bacteria thrive, the harder it will be to freshen your smile.
In order to treat gum disease long-term, our Santa Monica gum disease dentist focuses on neutralizing harmful bacteria, promoting the body’s healing ability, and using restorative dentistry to repair and replace damaged parts of your smile. As always we are happy to answer any questions that you may have—give us a call!