More than 64 percent of adults in the U.S. have some form of periodontal (gum) disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Could you be one of them? Since early gum disease symptoms can be subtle, regular visits to your dentist are important. Your Shelton, CT, general dentists, Dr. Michael Caserta and Dr. Adrian Basu of Dental Associates of Shelton help their patients improve their oral health with effective treatments for periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease signs and symptoms

Mild to severe periodontal disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Inflamed Gums: Are your gums red and swollen? Inflammation may be one of the first signs of gum disease and can occur if you have poor oral hygiene habits.
• Pain: Inflamed gums can be painful. You may notice increased pain when you press on your gums or chew.
• Bleeding After Brushing and Flossing: Many people assume that a little bleeding when brushing or flossing is nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, they're wrong. If your teeth bleed when you brush or floss, you may have gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Treating gingivitis promptly can prevent the disease from progressing.
• Bad Breath: Bad breath occurs due to bacterial growth. Mouthwash, more frequent brushing and breath mints won't improve your breath if the problem is related to gum disease.
• Changes in the Appearance of Your Gums: Gum disease may cause your gums to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth. Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages frequently accompanies receding gums. If you overlook the initial symptoms of periodontal disease, your gums may eventually pull away from your teeth, forming deep spaces called pockets that harbor bacteria and pus.
• Loose Teeth or Denture Changes: Severe periodontal disease can loosen your teeth and even lead to tooth loss. A change in the fit of your dentures may mean that you have periodontal disease.

Keep your gums healthy with good oral hygiene habits and regular dental visits. If it's time for your next checkup, or you're concerned about gum disease, call your Shelton, CT, general dentists, Dr. Michael Caserta and Dr. Adrian Basu of Dental Associates of Shelton at (203) 924-4115 to schedule an appointment.