Some people assume that gum disease, which dentists also call periodontal disease, isn’t a serious concern because so many people have it. This simply isn’t true.

If you have gum disease, it means an infection is present in the tissues that support and surround your teeth. Plaque, which is a type of sticky bacteria that develops on your teeth over time, is the primary cause of gum disease. Since it typically doesn’t cause pain, many people have gum disease without knowing it. Unfortunately, they can still have serious consequences of periodontal disease, including tooth loss.

Indications You May Have Gum Disease

Knowing the symptoms of gum disease is important because it allows you to seek earlier treatment. The most common ones include:

• Change in your bite or alignment
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Blood on your toothbrush or piece of dental floss after cleaning your teeth
• If you have dental restorations, you notice that they don’t fit right
• Your gums are not as close to your teeth as they should be
• Your gums are often swollen, tender, or appear red

We urge you to contact O.C. Dental Specialists right away if you notice even a few of these symptoms. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have gum disease, but it’s important to determine what the problem is as soon as possible.