Periodontal disease signs can be subtle at first. Unfortunately, if you ignore them, you may risk losing teeth. Our Augusta and Evans, GA, 
family dentists, Dr. Scott Wingard and Dr. Caleb Morris, share common signs of the disease and explain treatment options.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, affects the gums, ligaments and bones that hold your teeth in place. It develops due to tartar deposits on the teeth near the gums. Poor oral hygiene can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease, but other factors may also play a role, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, hormone fluctuations in women, stress, poorly fitting bridges, smoking, crooked teeth or dry mouth.
What are the signs of periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease develops in stages. If you treat gingivitis, the first stage, as soon as you notice symptoms, you can avoid the unpleasant consequences of periodontal disease. If you have gingivitis, you may notice that your breath is bad, even after you've just brushed your teeth. Your gums may also be red and sore and might bleed easily when you brush or floss. Eventually, they may begin to recede.
As the disease progresses, pain and inflammation will probably worsen. You may notice that chewing hurts. If your tooth roots have become exposed due to receding gums, you'll also experience sensitivity when your mouth is exposed to extreme temperatures. A hot cup of coffee or an ice cream can cause pain that lasts for 30 minutes or longer.
Are your gums loose around your teeth? Pockets can develop when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth during the most severe phase. Bacteria in the pockets not only damages gum tissue but also attacks bone and ligaments. Tooth loss may occur at this stage of the disease.
How is the disease treated?
Gingivitis symptoms can often be reversed simply by improving your oral hygiene routine. If brushing and flossing regularly don't help, you may benefit from a deep cleaning in our Augusta or Evans office. Deep cleanings remove tartar and plaque under your gums.
If the disease is severe, you may need to take antibiotics and undergo a flap reduction surgery to eliminate your pockets.
Regular dental cleanings can help you control tartar and reduce your risk of periodontal disease. If it's time for your next cleaning and exam, or you think you might have gum disease, call Dr. Scott Wingard at (706) 738-4723 to make an appointment in the Augusta, GA, office or (706) 303-8283 to make an appointment in the Evans, GA, office.