Healthy gums are a huge part of oral health. When they become unhealthy, things can go downhill fast! One of the specialized services we offer here at Radiance Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is advanced periodontal therapy, including surgical and non-surgical options. Here is a rundown of 4 signs you may need to seek treatment.
1. Red, Bleeding, or Inflamed Gums
Healthy gums are typically a nice shade of pink. But when we fail to remove debris from our teeth, bacteria grows and eventually it turns into tartar and then plaque. That plaque leads to gingivitis, which is defined as “mild form of gum disease” according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Gingivitis can cause your gums to become swollen and inflamed. They also tend to bleed when you attempt to floss or brush vigorously. While red gums are considered an early sign of advanced periodontal disease (gum disease), they should still raise a big red flag for you.
2. Bad Breath
If you regularly brush and floss your teeth but a bad smell lingers, periodontal disease may be to blame. Periodontal disease usually involves bacteria and bacteria is known for creating foul odors. Not only is this bad breath embarrassing, it’s a sign of dangerous gum disease that needs to be addressed.
3. Periodontal Pockets
Healthy gums are attached snugly to your teeth. Unhealthy gums on the other hand actually start to pull away from the tooth and pockets of space can appear. When these periodontal pockets are greater than 3 millimeters, therapy may be needed. The pockets are caused by the swelling of your gums and they create a perfect environment for more harmful bacteria and plaque to nest. If untreated, these pockets can get out of control and actually cause your tooth to fall out.
4. Abscesses
When a periodontal pocket is not addressed, often times an abscess forms inside of the pocket. Abscesses often contain pus and are extremely painful. Pus is your body’s response to an infection. Abscesses can lead to cysts, bone damage and tooth loss. Draining the abscess will relieve pain and pressure but the gum disease that caused it still needs to be addressed. If you develop an abscess, call our office immediately.
If you feel you may be experiencing any of these problems, or a combination of them, call us to schedule an appointment! We can diagnose and treat any perio problems you’re experiencing to prevent worse and more expensive problems down the road.
