Periodontitis and symptoms:
Learn to recognize them
Periodontitis and its symptoms are little known to the general public, and yet! This dental disease affects around 50% of adults in industrialized countries.
Knowing how to recognize the signs of periodontal disease is therefore a public health issue that promotes better management. periodontal disease is irreversible, but can be stabilized with appropriate treatment and regular follow-up.
Studio Paro in Lyon 3rd presents here the discrete or more advanced symptoms typical of gum disease.
Gum disease: symptoms that have long been discreet
Symptoms of periodontal disease may remain relatively discreet for a long time, and not give cause for concern because they may seem “ordinary”. According to recent studies, nearly 78% of French people have occasional or recurrent bleeding gums, but many believe they have good oral health!
And yet, bleeding (when brushing, eating or sleeping) is the first symptom of gum inflammation which, while benign and reversible (gingivitis), can also herald periodontitis, a disease of the periodontium (the tissues that support the teeth) with serious long-term consequences if left untreated: mobility, tooth loss, even the appearance or aggravation of illnesses (diabetes, cardiovascular disease) if the infection passes into the bloodstream.
Other discreet symptoms of periodontitis include :
- gums that are bright red rather than pink
- swollen gums
- a feeling of annoyance or diffuse discomfort when brushing, eating or even in a "resting" state
- food often gets stuck between your teeth
- frequent bad breath
Advanced symptoms of periodontitis
The advanced symptoms of periodontal disease leave little doubt as to the diagnosis, and require rapid treatment to halt its progress.
The most distinctive of these is loosening of the teeth: the gums seem to “melt” and the roots of the teeth appear, giving the impression that the teeth are getting longer. The loosening may be localized to one or more teeth, and to one or more areas of the mouth.
This is a sign that the gums are affected. Often, the jawbone is affected too, but this cannot be seen with the naked eye: X-rays are needed to accurately assess the loss of bone level.
- gaps that appear or widen between teeth
- some of your teeth have shifted in your jawbone
- some of your teeth move
- you've lost a tooth
Tooth loss is the final stage of periodontitis. Don’t wait until you reach this stage (which often takes decades) and book an appointment with our dentists specialized in periodontology in Lyon 3ème.
Even if your teeth move, they can be saved with the right treatment. In fact, periodontal care not only stops infection, it also strengthens your teeth’s hold in the jaw! Regular check-ups will help prevent relapses, so you can keep your teeth for life.
In addition to its cosmetic effects, chronic periodontitis can also have consequences for your general health if the infection passes into your bloodstream: premature delivery, onset or worsening of diabetes or cardiovascular disease…
Finally, you should know that periodontitis can have several causes and is not necessarily linked to hygiene: so don’t feel guilty if you have one or more characteristic symptoms!
In all cases, consulting a periodontologist means taking care of your health and yourself!
We look forward to hearing from you.
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