Millions of Americans are living with periodontal disease, but unfortunately, many of them don’t know it. Because gum disease can cause a long list of dental and health problems, the team at BridgeView Dental Group is committed to spreading the word about this common condition. Here are three symptoms of periodontal disease, and how your dentist can help.

3 Signs of Periodontal Disease

1. Bad Breath

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, starts when plaque and tartar rest on the teeth. This biofilm provides a readily available food source for oral bacteria, which emits sulfuric compounds and toxins that can irritate the gum tissue and make breath smell bad. People who have gingivitis tend to have chronic bad breath that doesn’t go away easily, since the bacteria may have started to take root underneath the edges of the gums.

2. Gum Tissue Changes

Unfortunately, after bacteria has taken hold, it can start to make the gum tissue pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where additional bacteria can cause problems. The further bacteria are allowed to travel underneath the gum tissue, the more damage they can do, causing issues like infections and severe inflammation. Gums can become red, tender, and prone to bleeding, making normal daily dental care more difficult.

3. Loose Teeth

Eventually, bacteria can even attack the structures that hold the teeth in place, making the teeth loose in their sockets. Eventually, the teeth can even fall out, allowing the neighboring teeth to drift out of place to fill the void.

If you think you may have periodontal disease, it is important to seek professional dental care as early as possible. At BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, you can get help with everything from simple bad breath to full smile restorations, making it easier than ever to get your smile back. To learn more about their practice, visit their website or give them a call at (907) 486-3257.