What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums, and if it is not treated, it will eventually spread to the jawbone and teeth. This infection causes inflammation of the gum tissues due to the buildup of plaque on the teeth and along the gum line. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other oral health problems. Swollen or tender gums are a symptom of this serious condition.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Some of the first symptoms of gum disease are more subtle than others. For example, while bleeding gums are usually one of the first signs, they are also the least obvious to other people. This is why a dentist’s evaluation is so important. They will be able to tell you if you have gum disease and recommend the treatments you need to reverse it.

There are many other symptoms associated with the advanced stages of gum disease. These include:

• Bad breath that won’t go away despite brushing regularly
• Pain when you chew food that is hard or tough
• Loose teeth
• Redness around your gums
• Swollen and irritated gums that bleed easily
• Tender and swollen gums that may recede from your teeth
• Teeth that have darkened due to tartar buildup

These symptoms can make it difficult to eat certain foods and speak normally. If you don’t treat your gum disease, it could lead to tooth loss and other complications that require extensive treatment. Instead of suffering through these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

While the symptoms are unpleasant, the treatment is usually quick and painless. Once they are done treating you for gum disease, you will be able to enjoy all of your regular activities again, like eating your favorite foods, without pain or discomfort.

For patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, a dentist may perform scaling and root planing to treat the infection and repair the supporting structures of the teeth. Patients may also be prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinses to aid in the healing process. Other non-surgical treatments may include guided tissue regeneration. This procedure involves using membranes that separate the tooth from soft tissue and bone, forcing the gum to regenerate new cells and supporting structures around the tooth root. Surgery may be recommended in some cases where the disease is advanced or if the patient does not respond to other treatment methods.

If you are looking for an experienced dentist that can help guide you through the entire procedure, schedule a consultation with our dentists at Eldridge Dental in Houston, Texas. You can reach us at (713) 983-0099 or visit our office at 6370 N. Eldridge Pkwy, Suite B, Houston, TX 77041.