Symptoms and Risk Factors
In many cases, individuals with periodontal disease may not even know that they have it. The initial stages of this condition are painless, and the disease may go unnoticed for quite some time. However, limited periodontal timelines make it critical that you visit a dentist or periodontist regularly for checkups and that you maintain good oral hygiene to help prevent this disease from taking root and spreading.
Your oral health and your overall health are more closely connected than most people realize. For example, certain factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease, including:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Certain types of medications (such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives)
- Bridges or other appliances that no longer fit properly
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Old fillings
- Pregnancy
- Medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and other systemic diseases)
Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Easy bleeding of the gums
- Red, swollen, and tender gums
- Receding gums
- Persistent halitosis (bad breath)
- A recurring foul taste in your mouth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Teeth that are loose or separating
- Changes in the fit of your dentures
- Changes to your bite
We invite you to contact iSmile today to learn more about periodontal disease symptoms and risk factors and schedule a consultation with our dentists. We will be happy to discuss your risk factors and make recommendations to improve your oral health.
