Unfortunately, it can be difficult to notice gum disease during its early stages, as very little symptoms accompany that condition until it has heavily affected your teeth and gums. However, there are some signs that will clue you in to the fact that you need to see a periodontist.

Bleeding Gums

Gum disease occurs when bacteria gets into the gum line and between teeth. While this is happening, there are some basic symptoms that should help you to identify that a visit to a Periodontist is essential. Catching this disease before it becomes too severe can save you a lot of money on treatments. Being on the lookout for the following identifiers is important. For instance, reddened or bleeding gums are a big sign that you might be suffering from the onset of gum disease. This is especially common when brushing your teeth or flossing. If your teeth feel loose or misaligned in any way, the reason for this could be periodontal disease.

Bad Breath and Bite Pattern Changes

One of the more noticeable symptoms that should tell you that it’s time to see a periodontist is when you experience bad breath on a regular basis. This is caused from bacterial buildup and is unique from regular bad breath in that it can still be present even after brushing your teeth. You might also start to notice changes to the way that it feels when you bite or chew food. Once teeth start to loosen, your bite pattern will change. Though these changes aren’t huge, they can be noticeable if you’re looking for them. When gum disease starts to worsen, but has yet to become fully severe, pain when eating can be present. The reason for this is due to the fact that biting can create pressure in both the tooth and gum areas where the buildup of bacteria has caused an infection.

Family History and Tooth Sensitivity

Surprisingly, people that have a family history of gum disease are actually somewhat more likely to be affected by this condition. This is particularly true if you have an immediate family member that’s experienced the disease. If you find that this is the case with your family, schedule an appointment with a periodontist as soon as possible to make sure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as they should be. How your teeth feel during extreme hot or cold temperatures is also a good barometer on whether or not you’re going through the initial stages of gum disease. During these temperatures, your teeth may feel much more sensitive than usual, which can also be accompanied by small amounts of pain. When the root of the tooth has become exposed, this sensitivity will occur with simple temperature changes as well.

Receding Gums and Smoking Problems

If you’ve noticed that your gums have started to recede, this is a common symptom of gum disease. Deep pockets can even be found within the gum as this occurs. These changes aren’t normal, and the most common cause is definitely periodontal disease. Smoking is also something that will greatly increase your chances of periodontal disease and should definitely cause you to schedule an appointment with a periodontist. Basically, smoking interrupts the circulation of nutrients and oxygen throughout the gums, which heightens the risk of a bacterial invasion. This risk is still carried with you even after you’ve stopped smoking. A periodontist will be able to identify the health of your gums and teeth, providing you with the knowledge necessary to know whether or not you will need to take action and request treatment. People that suffer from diabetes will also be at a higher risk of gum disease.

Importance of Routine Evaluations

If you’ve never had an evaluation by a periodontist before, or simply haven’t in a long time, it’s absolutely essential that you do so. It’s estimated that over 50 percent of people will suffer from some form of gum disease by the time that they hit age 30. A periodontist will be able to identify any underlying concerns and provide you with a quick and easy treatment that corrects the issue before it worsens and starts to create severe tooth decay. If you live in or around Boynton Beach, don’t hesitate to contact us at Boynton Laser Dental Center today for your initial consultation.