What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

A periodontal disease is a severe form of gum disease which is a condition that commonly impacts your gums and the supportive tissues surrounding your pearly whites. It is unquestionably a serious condition that can often lead to tooth loss and other oral complications if it is left untreated. Today we are discussing the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease and whether having dental X-rays taken every year is necessary.

Wondering what healthy gums look like? 

Healthy gums are pale pink, firm, and fit snuggly around teeth. If your gums are bleeding then it can be a sign of gum disease.

How can you tell if you have Periodontal Disease or Gum Disease?

The early signs of periodontal disease are often quite subtle, and many people may not realize they have it until it has progressed to a more advanced and critical stage. The following are symptoms of periodontal disease you might notice:

Swollen or red gums: This is one of the most common signs of periodontal disease today. Your gums may appear swollen and red, and they may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth and gum line.

Chronic bad breath: Commonly called halitosis, this unpleasant symptom of periodontal disease arises from the bacteria in your mouth producing foul-smelling gasses that leave you with bad breath.

Receding gums: As periodontal disease progresses, your gums may start to recede (or pull away) from your teeth, leaving the vulnerable tooth roots exposed.

Loose teeth: As the disease continues to progress, your teeth may become loose and start to shift around.

Pain or discomfort: In some cases, periodontal disease can cause pain or discomfort when chewing or biting down.

Pus: If you notice pus secretions around your gums or teeth, this is a big warning sign of an advanced stage of periodontal disease and requires immediate attention from your dentist.

Do You Need To Have Dental X-Rays Taken Every Year?

At Ace Dental Care, our team uses digital X-rays as an essential tool for dentists allowing us to diagnose and treat your dental problems. The beauty of this technology is that it can accurately help detect cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues that may not even be visible during your visual exam. The good news is, digital X-rays produce 80-90% less radiation than traditional film radiography and offer the following benefits:

-A quicker more comfortable imaging process
-Show areas not visible to the eye
-More accurate diagnosis of developing dental issues
-Easier and more effective treatment planning and procedures

For most patients, dental X-rays are recommended every year. However, if you have a history of dental problems or you are considered high risk for dental disease, our dentist may recommend more frequent X-rays to protect your ongoing oral health.

Call Today!

Ace Dental Care Alpharetta and Ace Dental Care Norcross offer gum disease treatment to help you get healthy and enhance the appearance of your smile. If you are finding yourself with these signs of gum disease, we urge you to seek prompt treatment. Dr. Rakesh and her team of doctors will collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that considers your needs and preferences. Call us at 678-562-1555 or 770-806-1255 to set up your appointment with Dr. Pallavi Rakesh and start on the path to getting the smile of your dreams!