When it comes to treating periodontal disease, timing matters. Generally speaking, the earlier you are able to begin treatment, the better it is for your smile and your long-term oral health. With that in mind, our Elmhurst periodontal dentists have put together this overview of gum disease “red flags.” If you notice any of the issues we’re talking about today, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your dental team for an assessment.
Gum disease develops when oral bacteria—the same oral bacteria that cause cavities—are able to infiltrate your oral tissues. Once entrenched, these bacteria grow and multiply, weakening the underlying strength and structure of your smile as time goes on.
If you are dealing with gum disease in your own smile, you may notice that your gums are:
- Swollen
- Red
- Sensitive
- Easily irritated
- Prone to bleeding, especially when you clean your smile
- Pulling away from your teeth (the resultant gaps are called “periodontal pockets)
- Producing unpleasant odors and tastes
When you come in for gum disease treatment with our Elmhurst dentists, we’ll immediately take steps to lower the number of bacteria around your teeth and gums. Once bacteria levels are manageable, we are able to nurture your body’s natural healing abilities, as well as complete any restorative work necessary to rebuild lost tissue.
Because gum disease rarely, if ever, improves on its own, it is crucial that you partner with a dental professional in order to take control of your smile. As always, you can reach our team by giving our office a call or using the Contact Us page on our site. We look forward to working with you!