Don't Ignore These Signs of Periodontal Disease

You are brushing your teeth when you notice some blood in the sink. What could that mean and is it something to worry about? Our dentist Dr. Yati Yadav in Peoria, AZ, and serving the Phoenix and Glendale area, wants to protect patients from decay, gum disease and other problems by making sure that they get the proper preventive care; however, when symptoms of gum disease do arise it’s important to recognize them so that you can get the problem treated right away.

Here are some of the telltale signs of gum disease.

Bleeding Gums

This is one of the most common and obvious signs of inflammation within the gum tissue. When plaque has built up along and under the gum line this leads to irritation, swelling and bleeding. Over time, the plaque can destroy the fibers that connect the tissue with your teeth. If you are dealing with bleeding gums when you brush or floss then it’s time to see Dr. Yadav right away.

Those who smoke are also at an increased risk for bleeding gums, as smoking reduces blood flow to the gums. Unfortunately, since smoking affects blood flow smokers may have gum disease but not experience bleeding gums as a symptom.

Receding Gums

Do your teeth suddenly look longer than usual? Since teeth don’t grow they shouldn’t change in length at all. This most likely means that you are dealing with receding gums that pull away from the teeth and eventually expose the root. More advanced forms of gum disease can lead to deeper pockets of infection within the gums.

Tooth Sensitivity

Do your teeth feel like they zing or zap whenever they come in contact with a hot cup of tea or ice cream? If you’ve never really dealt with tooth sensitivity before and now you’re just starting to notice it then this could be another warning sign of gum disease. As we mentioned above, the gums pull way from the teeth, which eventually exposes the roots. When the roots are exposed this can lead to sensitivity and pain.

Chronic Bad Breath

There are many reasons why someone may deal with persistent bad breath and this could be a sign that you aren’t maintaining good oral hygiene and that gum disease is present. If you aren’t sure why you are dealing with constant bad breath you may want to schedule a dental consultation to find out.

Your Family Dentist in Peoria, AZ, and serving the Phoenix and Glendale area wants to ensure that everyone gets the proper dental care they need for a healthy smile. To protect against gum disease, decay and other problems it’s important that you have a dentist you can turn to for regular dental care. Call us today to schedule your next routine checkup with Dr. Yati Yadav.