A recent CDC report revealed that 47.2 percent of adults have some form of periodontal disease. That is a staggering statistic and prompts the question, “why?” Quite possibly, part of the problem is that people don’t recognize the warning signs that tell them that they are at risk for periodontal disease, or that they have the beginning stages of it. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health. Periodontal disease is mainly the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Learn about the warning signs of periodontal disease so you can avoid the problems it can create.

Defining Periodontal Disease

Bacteria and dental plaque are the root causes of periodontal disease–a common oral disease that affects 3 million people in the United States each year.  Periodontal disease encompasses infections of the structures around the teeth. “Peri” means around, and “odontal” refers to teeth.  These infections attack your gums, the cementum that covers teeth roots, the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone.  Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease starting in the gum tissue.  More advanced stages of the disease involve all the supporting tissues and bones. Dr. Bockrath can consult with you more about his training and expertise with periodontics to keep you informed and protected.

8 Warning Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

There are 8 main signs to watch out for that signal that you have some stage of periodontal disease.  These are NOT symptoms you want to ignore.  Periodontal disease can have long-lasting consequences and effects. Tooth loss is one of the biggest side effects of the disease, but periodontal disease has also been linked to other health conditions–we will discuss those more later on in this article.  The 8 most common warning signs of periodontal disease are:

• Gingivitis:  Inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease, but the easiest to treat. It is caused by an accumulation of plaque bacteria in your mouth.
• Bleeding gums:  Plaque on your teeth–especially at gum line–can cause your gums to become swollen, and tender and sometimes bleed during brushing. (Certain medications can also cause bleeding gums.)  Bleeding gums are NOT normal.  If your gums continue to bleed after daily flossing and brushing, contact your dentist for an exam.
• Bad breath:  The leading cause of gum disease is the accumulation of plaque on your teeth and at the gumline. Plaque feeds dangerous anaerobic bacteria that reproduce and multiply in your mouth. Oral bacteria produces an odor that can be detected in your breath.  
• Gum Recession:  Gum tissues begin to pull back from the tooth exposing more of the tooth and its root. Gum recession leads to gum pockets where bacteria thrives.
• Gum Pockets:  Periodontal disease causes a breakdown of the supporting tissue and bone around your teeth. This causes spaces or “pockets” around the teeth. Over time, as these pockets deepen, they provide a larger space for bacteria to live and advance under your gum tissue.
• Bone Loss:  Bone Loss is the result of untreated periodontal disease. As bacteria spread beyond the gumline, the disease infects tissue beneath your teeth. As bacteria reach teeth roots and your jawbone, bacterial toxins are released which erode the exposed bone tissue. Bone loss can lead to tooth loss, bone craters, or severe bone deterioration.
• Abscess Formation:  An abscess is a localized collection of pus. Periodontal abscesses are related to: 1) infection of the pulp of the tooth; 2) infection of the gum and tissues surrounding the tooth; and/or 3) a combination of both. If periodontal abscesses are left untreated they can spread to become facial infections.
• Loose Teeth/ Difficulty Eating:  Advanced stages of periodontal disease will begin to make your teeth loose even causing difficult/painful eating.  

The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Other Health Conditions

Gum disease houses large amounts of bacteria in your mouth.  This bacteria easily enters your bloodstream through infected gum tissue traveling to other parts of your body. This harmful bacteria can travel and take up residence in your heart, brain, lungs, and even the placenta of pregnant women. This particular kind of bacteria is not normally found in these locations under healthy conditions. As your body attempts to dispose itself of this bacteria, your risk for other health problems increases, such as:  heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, and pregnancy complications. Remember, your body is all connected. What affects one part affects other parts.  Taking steps to improve your oral health will also improve your total body health as well.

Call for a Consultation

If you have any of the warning signs above, call to make an appointment with Dr. Bockrath for treatment. Mountain Aire Dentistry, located in Broomfield, CO is a general and family dentistry practice. We are passionate about helping you and your children achieve and maintain optimal oral health and a beautiful smile! We focus on prevention, tooth preservation, and awareness and make every effort to treat our patients the way we treat members of our own family. We offer comprehensive care for your dental needs in a relaxed and efficient atmosphere.  We look forward to meeting you and your family! Call us today at (303) 731-7755 to make an appointment.