Inflammation, bleeding or bad smell are some symptoms that alert us to the possibility of suffering from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent pathologies in humans.
Between 85 and 94% of the Spanish population over the age of 35 has some problem related to the gums, according to a survey of Oral Health in Spain by the General Council of Dentists’ Associations of Spain.
But at the same time, gum disease is a great unknown.
Bacterial plaque is the cause of periodontal diseases, which can manifest in the form of gingivitis or periodontitis.
Gingivitis is its mildest form and consists of superficial inflammation of the gums.
But if this is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis or “pyorrhea”, an infection that destroys the tissues that support the tooth, including the bone, which can cause tooth loss.
In addition, periodontitis affects general health by increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, premature birth or decompensating diabetes, among other relationships.
Symptoms that will let you know if your gums are not healthy Some signs or symptoms that alert us to the possibility of suffering from gum disease are:
##BULLET##Reddish or purplish color of the gums.
##BULLET##Shiny and smooth surface.
##BULLET##Gum edematous, inflamed.
##BULLET##Presence of spontaneous bleeding or during brushing which, contrary to what is thought, is not normal for the gums to bleed regularly, but rather is an alarm.
##BULLET##Dental sensitivity (discomfort with cold foods, fruit, etc.).
##BULLET##Appearance of pus in the gum (suppuration).
##BULLET##Bad breath or bad breath (halitosis).
##BULLET##Loss of the tissues surrounding the tooth, which results in gum retraction and the sensation that the tooth is getting longer as its roots are exposed.
##BULLET##Tooth mobility without apparent cause, such as a fall or a blow.
If any of these signs are present, you should visit your dentist, as they are the only ones capable of definitively diagnosing periodontal disease, establishing its severity, and determining its treatment. + info: Periodontal diseases, what are they?