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Signs of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is often asymptomatic and can progress to a very advanced stage with little or no warning. However, there may be some subtle indications that indicate all is not well, particularly if you are over age 35 and have not seen a dentist regularly. If your gums are red and tender, if your gums bleed while brushing, if you have persistent bad breath, if your teeth have loosened or separated, if your bite has changed, or if your gums have receded you are likely to have some form of periodontal disease.
Gingivitis
This is the mildest form of gum disease and is basically defined as inflammation of the gum tissue without destruction of supporting bone. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is driven by bacterial plaque and easily reversible with professional treatment supplemented by good oral home care.
Mild Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, it may progress to periodontitis. This is defined as the onset of soft tissue as well as bone destruction. There are typically little or no symptoms associated with this process. This is why early detection is so critically important.
Moderate – Advanced Periodontitis
As periodontal disease progresses from the mild form into more advanced forms, there is further tissue and bone destruction. This is when you may become aware of inflamed and tender gum tissue , looseness or drifting of teeth, or pain and infection. Many times teeth are beyond the point of definitive treatment if a diagnosis is originally made when periodontal disease is advanced.
Periodontics Overview
For a brief narrated overview of periodontics, please click the image on the below. It will launch our flash educational MiniModule in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about periodontics.
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