Some dental issues present symptoms that come on quickly and intensify if left unaddressed. In other cases, symptoms may appear gradually and slowly worsen over time. This is often the case with periodontal disease. Since early signs may be easy to miss, it's important to learn what to look out for, so you can spot potential issues before they become significant.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, is a gum infection with multiple stages. It starts as gingivitis, which is caused by the buildup of plaque along the teeth and gum line. Without proper treatment, the bacteria found in plaque can begin to attack the gums, which leads to the early to moderate stages of periodontitis. As the disease progresses, it attacks not only the gums but also the other tissues that hold teeth in place, including the bones.

What Are Some Early Symptoms?

Bleeding Gums

An early sign of gum disease is bleeding, which is especially likely to occur with brushing or flossing. Gums may also feel irritated and look red or swollen.

Bad Breath

Halitosis, or chronic bad breath, can have many causes. If you've ruled out medications, dehydration, and other factors that lead to dry mouth, a gum infection could be to blame.

Gum Recession

While this symptom is typically more pronounced in advanced stages of periodontitis, you may notice more of your teeth becoming visible as your gums pull away slightly in the early phases.

Shifting Teeth

Take note if your teeth shift out of place or if they feel loose. As the gums pull away from the teeth, the anchoring system that holds them in place begins to weaken.

Painful Chewing

Isolated pain when chewing likely indicates a problem with a specific tooth. However, if it's more widespread, it could mean your gums are infected.

If you think you may have periodontal disease, turn to BridgeView Dental Group for help. Located in Kodiak, AK, this dentist office provides routine and cosmetic dental care, as well as periodontics. Their team has experience using a range of solutions to stop tissue damage, helping you get your gum health back on track. Find out more about their services online or call (907) 486-3257 to schedule an appointment.