Protect Your Smile by Knowing the Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

You only have one smile, so it’s a good idea to give it the treatment it needs to look and function its best. Routine checkups will go a long way toward catching gum disease in its early stages. However, it’s still a good idea to know the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease in Lubbock. If your gums do become infected, our periodontists can:

• Remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your gums with a deep cleaning
• Apply an antibiotic if necessary to help eliminate infection
• Help you smile with more confidence, knowing that your gums are attractive
• Make it possible for you to brush more comfortably without bleeding gums

Call High Plains Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today at 806-507-6906 to get the help you need. Our team will get your gums back in shape in no time!

Be Aware of Gum Disease Symptoms

Periodontal disease can progress without any signs or symptoms such as pain. This is why regular dental checkups are so important. They help your dentist notice early signs of disease. Even with regular exams, you may notice certain symptoms at home.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms of periodontitis, see us as soon as possible:

• Unexplained Bleeding – Bleeding when brushing, flossing, or eating is one of the most common symptoms of a periodontal infection. The toxins in plaque cause a bacterial infection that makes the gum tissue prone to bleeding.
• Pain, Redness, or Swelling – A periodontal infection may be present if your gums are swollen, red, or painful for no apparent reason. It is essential to halt the progression of the infection before it affects your gum tissue and jawbone. It’s also critical to treat the infection before it enters the bloodstream, where it can be carried to other areas of the body.
• Longer-Looking Teeth – Periodontal disease can lead to gum recession. The toxins produced by bacteria can destroy the supporting tissue and bones, making  your teeth look longer and your smile appear more “toothy.”
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) – Although breath odor can originate from the back of the tongue, the lungs and stomach, from the food we consume, or from tobacco use, bad breath can also be caused by old food particles that sit between the teeth and under the gumline. Deeper gum pockets are able to house more debris and bacteria, causing a foul odor.
• Loose Teeth or a Change in Bite Pattern – A sign of rapidly progressing periodontitis is the loosening or shifting of the teeth. As bone tissue gets destroyed, teeth that were once firmly attached to the jawbone can become loose or shift in position.
• Pus – Pus oozing from between the teeth is a definitive sign that a periodontal infection is in progress. The pus is a result of the body trying to fight the bacterial infection.

If you notice any of the signs and symptom of periodontal disease in Lubbock, call High Plains Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at 806-507-6906 ASAP for an appointment. You can also make an appointment online.