Understanding the Early Warning Signs of Gum Diseases

Today’s periodontal disease treatment is highly effective, safer, and more comfortable than ever. The only problem is that too many people fail to realize they have gum disease until their case has progressed. Problems can be addressed but, as with most medical issues, the longer a patient waits to seek treatment, the more involved and expensive the procedures can become.

Here at Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center, we often tell people to contact a dental health professional at the first sign of the following:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen or red gums
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Receding gums
• Pain
• Sores
• Pus in gums/teeth
• Shifting teeth and new gaps appearing

Some of these issues are self-evident but some can use added explanation. We’ll answer important questions about a few of them below.

Can I Have Bleeding Gums Without Knowing It?

People often ignore -- or may not even notice -- a pink toothbrush. Unless the toothpaste is also slightly pink or a patient just ate red or purple food, this is a warning that should be addressed immediately. While bleeding gums can be caused by severe vitamin deficiencies or a serious illness, they can sometimes go away on their own after a few days. Nevertheless, please exercise caution and contact an oral healthcare specialist sooner than later. More profuse bleeding needs to be addressed even more rapidly.

If you are a smoker, however, please be aware that smoking shrinks blood vessels and can actually prevent troubled gums from bleeding. This is not a plus! It can hide a serious problem. People who smoke need to be extra vigilant regarding their gums and overall oral health.

How Do I Know if My Bad Breath is a Periodontal Issue?

The only way may be to see an oral healthcare specialist. Yes, we all have unpleasant breath some of the time but if it doesn’t go away after brushing and flossing, then you are suffering from halitosis.

If you also have a dry mouth, that may very well be the culprit and you should contact an oral health specialist or your family doctor. Tobacco products can cause dry mouth; combined with nasty residue, it can lead to the “smoker’s breath” that has contributed to the end of more than one relationship.

Halitosis can also be related to acid-reflux disorder (GERD); if you’re also suffering from heartburn then an appointment with a gastroenterologist should be in store. If nothing above seems to apply to you, then it’s time to contact an oral health specialist.

Sometimes friends and family are afraid to break the news about nasty breath. If someone close to you has persistent bad breath and appears to be doing standard oral hygiene, you’re not doing them a favor by keeping mum. Gently let them know they need to see a doctor soon – and also that a periodontal problem is nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s a health issue just like any other.

What about Pain and Possible Gum Disease?

Pain is typically not a major early symptom of gum disease, which is one reason people tend to miss it. Just as people who suffer from diabetes and many cancers may feel little or no pain early on in the illness's progression, periodontal diseases can be silent destroyers. The best prevention is good oral hygiene including regular checkups.

How Does Pus Appear?

Even the word “pus” on its own is kind of gross but it does unfortunately sometimes appear in the mouth. In some cases it may smell and taste as bad as it sounds but, in other cases, patients may miss this warning sign. Pus will typically emerge from a periodontal abscess – something like a pimple around the teeth and gums. While these signs may very unpleasant and hard to miss in some cases, they may just as often go unnoticed. Please stay on the lookout and contact an oral health care specialist if you see any signs of a possible abscess.

How Do I Know if Mouth Sores are a Periodontal Issue?

There’s no sure way. Mouth sores can emerge for multiple reasons. If you have any other warning signs, you definitely should contact a professional and let them know about the sores. If sores are the only problem evident but are persisting, then you need to address them with a doctor.

Getting Started with Periodontal Care

As we’ve stated several times above, if you have any warning signs of periodontal issues, you need to see an oral healthcare professional soon. If you live in the Los Angeles area, your best bet is likely Dr. Peiman Soleymani of Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center. He is among the nation’s top periodontists, has written numerous scholarly articles, and has taught courses at both the USC and UCLA dental schools.

The doctor and his team of caring and compassionate oral health professionals are here to provide you with the highest level of care for gingivitis and periodontitis, including laser gum surgery when called for. If gum issues progress and one or more teeth need to be extracted, Dr. Soleymani is also a leader in the field of implantology and can provide a dental implant when needed.

Contact Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center

For further information, please call the number on your screen or visit our contact page to get in touch with Dr. Soleymani and his team. To get started, simply call the number below or visit our contact page.