Periodontitis, or gum disease, is one of the most common oral health issues people face. It can lead to a variety of serious long-term complications, even tooth loss, but thankfully, it is highly preventable and treatable. Knowing the warning signs of periodontitis and taking steps to prevent it can help you enjoy long-lasting oral health.

What is periodontitis?

What is periodontal disease? In simplest terms, it is an infection of your gum tissue by the bacteria in your mouth. Periodontitis, in particular, is the later stage of gum disease, in which the infection has advanced beyond gingivitis. Bacteria penetrate the gumline, potentially infecting the surrounding tissue.

Gum disease has a serious impact not just on an individual’s oral health but on their overall well-being. It goes hand in hand with tooth decay, also caused by bacteria. These infections and inflammations can spread throughout the body, increasing one’s risk of serious health conditions that range from diabetes to cardiovascular disease.

What causes periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, which is to say its direct cause is bacteria itself. However, many risk factors contribute to and often worsen the infection. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and genetics can all put you at higher risk of developing gum disease.

As bacteria grow in greater numbers, they form plaque deposits on the surfaces of your teeth and around the gumline. That buildup leads to gum inflammation and can eventually penetrate below the gumline, causing a serious infection.

5 Warning Signs of Periodontitis

Ensuring the best possible outcome for your oral health means identifying gum disease as early as possible, as only adjustments to your oral hygiene or minor treatment are required in the condition’s earliest stages. 

With that in mind, watch for the following signs and reach out to your dentist if you notice any of them to prevent more serious treatment requirements down the line:

1. Persistent Bad Breath

The bacteria that cause gum disease are also responsible for chronic bad breath. If you’re dealing with persistent bad breath, it is likely due to high levels of bacteria that give off odorous gasses as they metabolize food.

2. Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums

If you’re asking, “What does gingivitis look like?” This is one of the first signs you might visibly notice. As gum disease progresses, it begins to irritate the gum tissue, leading to noticeably red and swollen gums. The weakened gum tissue is also more susceptible to damage, so you might notice bleeding when brushing or flossing. Bleeding gums are not normal and are a key indicator of gum disease. 

3. Receding Gums

More advanced gum disease will see the gum tissue start to peel away from the surface of your teeth. That, in turn, leads to the teeth appearing longer, unbalancing your smile. It also forms pockets that let bacteria penetrate deeper below the gumline, spreading the infection and worsening your condition.

4. Painful Chewing

Eventually, periodontal abscesses can form due to the infection. These are painful, pus-filled pockets within gum tissue, often situated up against tooth roots. They can make biting and chewing very painful and present a clear sign that you need treatment as soon as possible.

5. Loose or Shifting Teeth

In its final stages, gum disease affects the tissue supporting your teeth to the point they become loose and shift their positions. If you’ve noticed gaps in your smile or crooked teeth, it could be due to gum disease. Eventually, things can progress to the point that teeth fall out or require extraction.

How to Treat Periodontitis

With the information above in mind, you might ask, “Is periodontal disease curable?” While periodontitis is not curable, it can be managed through specialized treatments with your dentist. Gum disease in its earlier stages can be reversed, which is why it’s so important to seek treatment early. 

Gum disease prevention is always better than trying to find a way how to get rid of gingivitis later. Keeping up with routine dental checkups, practicing proper oral hygiene at home, and avoiding risk factors can prevent gum disease in the first place.

Nevertheless, if you’re wondering how to cure gingivitis, it could be as simple as improving your oral hygiene routine if you act early enough. However, treatments like scaling and root planing may also be necessary when determining how to treat gingivitis.

As gum disease progresses, you may need more serious treatment. Antibiotics are often prescribed in tandem with other treatments to eliminate the infection. Gum surgery may be necessary to deal with receding gums and eliminate pockets that provide a haven for bacteria.

Protect your gums with help from your St. Joseph dentist.

If you’re concerned about the health of your gums, turn to Berrien Dental, your trusted dentist in St. Joseph, Michigan, for gum disease prevention and treatment. Our routine dental care helps keep your smile in great shape, and our wide range of treatment options is available to tackle gum disease and other oral health concerns. Schedule your next appointment today and get proactive about your oral health.