Periodontal disease or also know as gum disease is a serious bacterial infection in the mouth that destroys the gums and surrounding bone. It progresses over time and if left untreated, leads to tooth loss and many health problems. In fact, gum disease is one the main causes of tooth loss in adults and is linked to heart disease and stroke. It is difficult to know whether you have gum disease or not because symptoms don’t show up until its advanced stage. It’s extremely important to have regular dental check ups to detect any problems early on.
Below are common symptoms of periodontal disease. If you are experiencing any of these, contact a dentist as soon as possible.
- Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Sores in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
