This article provides an overview of the symptom progression of an oral bacterial infection, from its initial stages as gingivitis to the acute and advanced condition called periodontitis.

If you accidentally cut your finger and a day or two later it is throbbing, red, inflamed and weeping pus, you can safely assume that it’s infected. The next logical step would be to seek some form of treatment beyond a bit of hot water and soap. Depending upon the severity of the cut, you may even need to seek the attention of a doctor. Why? Because the consequences of infection left untreated – even if it stems from a small cut on your finger – are dangerous and far more expensive and painful to address at a later stage. The same scenario applies to your gums, says the dentist in Coral Springs. The chief difference here is that an infected external cut tends to hurt a lot, so you’re constantly reminded of your affliction. But infected gums don’t. And it is partly for this reason that so many people do not realize they have an oral bacterial infection until the symptoms have progressed and cannot be ignored any longer.

Ask the Dentist in Coral Springs: The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Understanding what is normal and what isn’t is the first step towards addressing any kind of oral ailment, says the dentist in Coral Springs. The next step is actually doing something about it by immediately scheduling an appointment with a dental healthcare professional. Oral bacterial infections cannot be combated with brushing alone and they don’t just simply go away on their own. Depending upon the severity of the infection and its prevalence beneath the gum line, in the natural grooves surrounding the teeth, the treatment required can be more sophisticated and invasive, says the dentist in Coral Springs. The best approach to addressing a gum infection is to catch it as early as possible and it is here that the patient really needs to be more vigilant and proactive about (1) keeping regular appointments with the dentist in Coral Springs and (2) seeking treatment should they ever notice any of the following symptoms:

1. Chronic bad breath
2. Red and inflamed gums
3. Swollen gums that are encroaching upon the crowns of the teeth
4. Tooth discoloration, especially at the gum margin

These symptoms are consistent with gingivitis; an infection of the soft tissues surrounding the teeth, says the dentist in Coral Springs. If left without treatment, the infection can progress to become chronic and acute. Bacteria can migrate deep down into the gingival sulci causing pockets of decay and toxin to accumulate against the tooth roots.

At this stage, says the dentist in Coral Springs, the symptoms can include (in addition to the above):

1. Gums that have receded from the crowns of the teeth, exposing the roots
2. Teeth that have become loose
3. Tooth loss
4. Suppurating gums (oozing pus)
5. Bone loss in the jaw
6. Oral lesions and sores
7. Oral cancers (especially in smokers)

A Note from the Dentist in Coral Springs

By scheduling an appointment with the dentist in Coral Springs at the first hint of an oral infection, such as inflamed and swollen gums, you can not only avoid the latter, far more undesirable symptoms from developing, but you can also save a lot of time, trouble, pain and money on the kinds of treatments that would be necessary to address these symptoms. You also reap the benefit of a much better standard of oral health, hygiene and of course, smile aesthetics. Remember, says the dentist Coral Springs, prevention is better than cure, but if it’s too late for that, then early diagnosis is crucial!