Most Common Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Anyone who has had a dentist in Tampa, Florida, look at their teeth could tell you that periodontal disease is no laughing matter. Periodontal disease is a long-term condition that affects the gums and the bones around them. This is why it’s so important to diagnose periodontal disease as soon as possible. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to other health issues and even cause irreversible damage to teeth.

This blog post will go into detail about the different signs and symptoms of periodontal disease.

• Unexplained bleeding

The first sign of periodontal disease is bleeding. Bleeding can come from the mouth or even the gums. In some cases, bleeding occurs when a person doesn’t brush their teeth properly or at all. Bleeding from your gums is a sign that unhealthy gums are contributing to periodontal disease. You should also be sure to see a dentist as soon as possible for further examination. Not all cases of bleeding are because of tooth decay, but instead, it may be caused by gum disease.

• Loose teeth

Loose teeth are one of the most common signs of periodontal disease. They are not only unsightly, but loose teeth can also result in other issues, such as tooth decay. If a dental emergency leads you to visit your dentist, be sure to tell them that you have loose teeth. Loose teeth can also be caused by an abscess or a broken tooth. Loose teeth can occur either on the left or right side of the mouth, but it’s recommended to see a dentist if there are loose teeth on both sides of the mouth.

• Longer-looking teeth

A common sign of periodontal disease is having longer-looking teeth. Since healthy gums and tooth decay are closely linked, a condition called periodontitis can cause the surrounding bone around your teeth to break down. This makes your teeth grow longer, typically for about 3 millimeters per year. 

• Bad breath

While bad breath can have many causes, bacteria in your mouth can cause bad breath that comes from your gums too. Bacteria is the main contributor to periodontal disease and the breakdown of tissue near your teeth. So, it’s important to visit a dentist if you find yourself having bad breath, along with other symptoms such as bleeding of the gums.