Are you at high risk for periodontal disease? Here are 4 ways to help you self-test for periodontal disease!
Periodontal disease is a common dental problem. Neglecting daily oral hygiene can lead to plaque buildup and the development of periodontal disease. However, there are telltale signs of periodontal disease, and patients can often self-check for early-stage issues. This article from a dentist explains how to self-check for and prevent periodontal disease!
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by plaque and other microorganisms infecting the gums, leading to gingivitis. When oral hygiene is poor, plaque accumulates at the gum line, and the bacteria within it secrete toxins that irritate the surrounding tissues, resulting in periodontal disease.
If plaque builds up, inflammation appears at the gum line, forming a mild form of periodontitis, known as gingivitis. If the inflammation is not treated promptly, it can spread to the entire periodontal tissue, damaging the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, forming periodontal pockets, leading to severe periodontitis. Patients may experience red and swollen gums, bleeding gums when brushing, tartar buildup, and bad breath due to gingivitis.
How can I self-test for periodontal disease?
Before seeking dental treatment, you can first check if you have any of the following symptoms:
(1) Stop
When eating hard foods, pause briefly to check if your gums bleed. While brushing your teeth, pay attention to whether there is blood on your toothbrush, or if your gums are red, swollen, or inflamed. Don't rush to rinse away the foam you spit out; pause and check for blood.
(2) Observation & Feeling
Are the gaps between your teeth getting wider? Is there any gum recession? Are your gums dark red or deep red? Do you have bad breath?
Also, check if your teeth have developed any new sensitivity to hot or cold. Gum recession that exposes the tooth roots can cause tooth sensitivity.
(3) Press
When you press your gums with your hand, tongue, or toothbrush, do you feel swelling, pain, or bleeding? Do your teeth feel loose when you gently press them with your hand or tongue?
(4) Gently wiggle your teeth
Patients can try gently wiggling their teeth with their fingers. If the movement exceeds 1 millimeter, it indicates that the periodontal tissues are not supporting the tooth. It's important to note that normal, healthy teeth also have about 1 millimeter of normal room for movement, so there's no need to worry excessively about slight tooth movement.
If you have any of the above problems, or even several symptoms at the same time, it is recommended that you seek dental treatment as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening.
Who is more prone to periodontal disease?
People with diabetes, the elderly, pregnant women, braces users, those who don't brush their teeth regularly, smokers, and those with unbalanced diets are more prone to gum disease.
How to prevent periodontal disease?
The most important thing in preventing periodontal disease is to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth correctly in the morning and evening, making sure to reach your gums and brush into the gingival sulcus; use dental floss to thoroughly remove plaque from between your teeth.
You should have your teeth checked and scaled at least once a year (at most once every three months) to regularly remove plaque from tartar.
Note! Even if you don't experience any dental discomfort, you should still have your teeth professionally scaled regularly. This is because most dental diseases are often asymptomatic in their early stages, making it difficult for patients to accurately assess their periodontal health.
Author: Dr. Chen Haoxian
