Signs and Symptoms

Healthy

• Gums have healthy pink color
• Gum line hugs teeth tightly
• No bleeding

Gingivitis

• Gums bleed easily when you brush or when probed gently during examination
• Gums are inflamed and sensitive to touch
• Possible bad breath and bad taste
• Gums between teeth may look bluish-red in color

Early Periodontitis

• Gums may begin to pull away from the teeth
• Bleeding, puffiness and inflammation more pronounced
• Bad breath and bad taste
• Sight loss of bone, horizontally on X-ray
• Pockets of 3-4mm between teeth and gums in one or more areas of the mouth

Moderate Periodontitis

• Gum boils or abscesses may develop
• Teeth look longer as gums begin to recede
• Front teeth may begin to drift, showing spaces
• Bad breath, bad taste
• Both horizontal and angular bone loss on X-ray
• Pockets between teeth and gum range from 4-6mm deep

Advanced Periodontitis

• Teeth may become mobile or loose
• Bad breath, bad taste are constant
• Roots may be exposed and are sensitive to hot and cold
• Severe horizontal and angular bone loss on X-ray
• Pockets between teeth and gum now in excess of 6mm deep

Three Out Of Four People Have Warning Signs Of Periodontal Disease

• Gums that bleed when you brush
• Gums are red, swollen or tender
• Gums have pulled away (receded) from teeth
• Pus between teeth & gums when gums are pressed
• Permanent teeth are loose or separating
• Change in the way your teeth fit when biting
• Any changes in fit or partial dentures
• Persistent bad breath