When you are able to identify, and seek treatment for, gum disease in its earliest stages, you greatly improve your dental prognosis. Gum disease, if left untreated, can irrevocably damage your smile. So, our Orland Park periodontal dentists have compiled a quick primer on signs of gum disease—let’s get started!
Periodontal disease occurs when harmful oral bacteria are able to infiltrate your oral tissues, causing inflammation and decay. For this reason, you may notice that you develop:
- Swollen gums
- Red or irritated/looking tissue
- Oral tissues that bleed
- Gaps between your teeth and your gums (these are called periodontal pockets)
- Chronic, hard-to-treat bad breath
- A rough or grimy feeling on your oral tissues
The first step to treating periodontal disease is to minimize the number of bacteria in your mouth. Then, our team can help you take steps to restore your smile, and promote your body’s natural healing process.
Time is of the essence, however. The earlier you are able to being treatment, the better for your smile. If you notice any of the common symptoms of gum disease that we’ve discussed today, please don’t wait to schedule a consultation with our Tinley Park periodontal dentists.