How Does Periodontal Disease Affect My Smile’s Appearance?

Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common oral health conditions, and it leads to a number of dental health concerns. What many patients don’t realize is how untreated gum disease can dramatically change the appearance of your smile. In this post, we’ll review some of the many ways that gum disease can change your smile unless it’s treated properly by a skilled dentist or periodontist.

Change in the Shape of the Gum Line

One of the earliest warning signs of gum disease is an increase in the space between teeth and gums. As the connective tissues are broken down, soft tissue recedes and changes shape. This leaves patients with visible tooth roots that not only look darker and less healthy, but they also lead to dental sensitivity and other oral health issues.

Soft Tissue Inflammation

Rather than noticing the recession of soft tissue, many patients see gum inflammation. This can make your smile look gummy or teeth look stubby. In severe cases, the inflammation can also change the shape of your mouth, causing your lips to protrude farther. Inflamed gum tissue is often discolored as well, so your smile may be less attractive.

Gum Discoloration & Sores

Patients with gum disease typically notice dark red, purple, or white colored soft tissue. There may also be sores on the surfaces of soft tissue. This discoloration makes patients’ smiles look unhealthy and unattractive. The sores and discoloration are often signs of infection that causes chronic bad breath, so your smile will look unhealthy, function poorly, and your breath will smell bad.

Meet Dr. Grossman

At the periodontal specialty office of Stephen H. Grossman, DMD, we offer a wide range of periodontal prevention, treatment, and maintenance services. As a periodontal specialist, Dr. Grossman has completed advanced training in the diseases and treatments that impact the supportive structures around teeth, including gum tissues and jawbone. Not every patient needs to visit a periodontist for his or her oral health concerns, but for those with advanced gum disease, tooth loss, diminished soft tissue volume or bone density, and a host of other concerns, visiting a skilled periodontal expert like Dr. Grossman may be the best option. If you want to learn more about gum disease therapies, dental implant placement, or any of our other advanced periodontal services, please call our Westford dental office today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain your healthiest and most beautiful smile.