Periodontal problems, or gum disease, plague about half of the adults in the US. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to losing one or more teeth and affect your overall health. Periodontal issues can range from a little bit of inflammation to severe infection. In its earliest stages, gum disease is usually reversible. However, if it is allowed to progress, pockets of infection can form between your teeth and gums. Making an appointment with your Saratoga dentist at the first sign of problems increases your chances of successful treatment. Here are six signs it’s time to make an appointment to see Dr. Araldi.
Six Signs You Need to See a Saratoga Dentist about Periodontal Disease
If Your Bite Changes You May Have Periodontal Issues
One of the first changes a person notices is how their teeth feel when they chew, talk, or brush. If your teeth feel different, schedule an appointment with your Saratoga dentist for a detailed exam. You may catch gum disease early when it is treatable.
If You Notice Your Gums are Swollen or Bleed Frequently
Sometimes the first sign of gum disease is bleeding gums. This is because excessive plaque buildup causes the gums to become irritated and inflamed. You may want to check your gums often to make sure they are not red or swollen. If you notice any changes to your gums, schedule an appointment for an exam. The earlier the dentist discovers and diagnoses periodontal issues, the more likely treatment will be successful.
If You Have Loose Teeth
If you notice loose teeth, it may indicate the latter stages of gum disease. You need to make an appointment to see Dr. Araldi as soon as possible, or you could lose the teeth completely. Untreated gum disease can cause damage to the root or connective tissue.
If You Discover You Have Receding Gums
Even gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can cause receding gums. This occurs as the gums begin to pull back from a tooth due to the disease or infection. If left untreated, the receding gum line exposes the root of a tooth. This makes the tooth more susceptible to bacterial infection. If gum recession reaches advanced stages, it can lead to tooth loss. However, if you spot gum recession and it is diagnosed by the dentist early enough, a deep periodontal cleaning can often reverse it.
If Your Gums Feel Painful or Uncomfortable
Pain lets you know something is wrong. If your gums are painful or even uncomfortable, they may be trying to tell you there is a problem. Healthy gums do not cause pain or discomfort. If your gums have pain, especially if it’s ongoing, you may need to see your dentist in Saratoga.
If You Notice Chronic Bad Breath
Everyone suffers from halitosis or bad breath occasionally. Sometimes, halitosis is caused by a lack of good oral hygiene. But if you notice that you have persistent bad breath even though you have good regular oral care, you may need to make an appointment with your dentist. Persistent halitosis is often the first sign of gum disease. An exam by Dr. Araldi can determine if a periodontal issue caused it or if some other problem exists.
Contact Saratoga Dentistry
If you notice any of these early signs of periodontal disease or have any other concerns about your oral health, call us to schedule an exam. Remember that the earlier problems are discovered and diagnosed, the easier they are to treat successfully. Many times, gum disease is found during a routine exam. Call us today to make an appointment.