Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease — clinically referred to as “periodontal disease” or “periodontitis” — is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

What most people don’t realize, however, is that gum disease is best treated in its earlier stages. Waiting until it is severe will only pose a risk of tooth loss and to your overall health.

So how can you know whether or not you’re starting to develop the condition? At Melton Dental Group, we tell our patients to watch out for the following symptoms:

Tartar Build-up

When plaque biofilm isn’t removed efficiently, it calcifies onto the tooth. It takes about 24-hours for this process to occur. Hard tartar deposits can only be cleaned away by a dental provider, that’s why a professional cleaning is recommended every six months.

Bleeding or Swollen Gums

The presence of plaque and tartar along and underneath the gumlines causes an immune response in the body, triggering inflammation and bleeding. You probably notice it when you floss!

Gum Recession

As the gums continue to become infected, the body’s immune system triggers a response that leads to the tissues detaching and creeping down the roots of the teeth.

Loose Teeth

When periodontitis has had a chance to progress into more severe stages, it makes the bone shrink away from the tooth, lessening the foundation that keeps them secured in the mouth. Slowly, teeth become mobile and eventually fall out.

Bad Breath

Can’t seem to get your halitosis to improve? It could be because of the calcified tartar and plaque biofilm deep under your gumlines, where flossing and brushing don’t reach.

Book an Exam to Find Out for Sure

When you visit our Melton dental office, we’ll perform a soft tissue exam to assess where your gums and bone attaches around each tooth. This essential step helps us to identify active gum infections for earlier, more proactive treatment.

Call Melton Dental Group today on 03 9743  4922 to schedule.