Symptoms of Gum Disease
Forty Fort, PA
 Periodontitis is a gum disease caused by the inflammation of the gums due to your immune system’s attempts at eradicating bad bacteria. The disease leads to your gum tissues deteriorating and may cause your teeth to completely fall out if the disease is left untreated. It is extremely important to note that periodontitis is often a silent disease, meaning no severe pain is associated until it is already in serious stages. This condition can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss.
Periodontitis is an extremely common condition that can be prevented easily by practicing good oral hygiene. By taking actionable steps towards improving your oral health, hygiene, oral pathology, and seeking help from our professional team here at Dr. Musto Periodontics & Dental Implants on a timely basis, you can prevent this disease from affecting you almost entirely.
What are the Symptoms?
Gum disease can become more serious without showing any symptoms, which can include pain. This is the reason it is important for regular dental check-ups at least twice a year in addition to twice-daily brushing and flossing. While there are many indications that you may have gum disease, however, please remember that dental exams are the only true way to confirm you have gum disease.
Bleeding
Bleeding when flossing, eating food, or brushing is one of the tell-tale symptoms of a gum infection. This is because the bacteria in the plaque and tartar will make the soft gum tissues bleed more frequently. If you have any major bleeding in your mouth make sure to schedule an appointment with our dentists as soon as possible.
Bad Breath
Halitosis, or bad breath, is another common symptom of periodontal disease. Bad breath typically comes from the back of the tongue, the food you eat, your lungs and stomach, or from the use of tobacco. It is a common sign of periodontal disease because it is more likely that the small food particles get stuck in the pockets, the larger gaps in between the teeth, and between the gum line. The deeper the pocket, the more food and bacteria that can be stored in there, and the stronger and more unpleasant the smell.
Pain and Swelling
Another symptom or sign of periodontitis is pain, swelling, or redness. You may have gum disease if your gums are swollen red or you feel pain for no reason. This sign means it is crucial to begin to stop the infection from spreading before the bone and soft tissue is more affected. Furthermore, it is crucial to treat and fight the infection before it is carried from the mouth to other areas in your body.
Receding Gums
If you believe your teeth look somewhat “longer,” or you notice a change in the pattern of your bite, then that could be a couple more signs that you have gum disease. This is because the gums begin to recede, exposing the enamel further, and they may even recede enough to expose your roots. Furthermore, the toxins in the bacteria and your mouth will destroy the remainder of your soft tissue and bony structure, which makes the teeth look like they are long.
Ultimately, loose teeth or a change in bite pattern is another sign of chronic periodontitis advancing towards a major stage. The loosening or shifting of the teeth in the affected area is a tell-tale sign. As the bone tissue gets destroyed, the teeth firmly attached to your jawbones are loosened and may change their positions, creating a different bite pattern.
If you or someone you know has any of these signs of gum disease, please contact Dr. Musto Periodontics & Dental Implants by calling (570) 283-3611 today. We can take care of all of your periodontal questions and concerns and help restore both the health and confidence of your smile.
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Located 920 Wyoming Ave, Suite 203, Forty Fort, PA 18704 
