Periodontal (gum) disease is often silent, meaning symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. However, warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease include the following:
If you have 1 or more of the symptoms listed above, you are in need of a comprehensive periodontal (gum) examination, which should include comprehensive x-rays. The earlier periodontal (gum) disease is treated, the less complex, less expensive, and more predictable long-term results will be.
The American Academy of Periodontology’s risk assessment test, www.perio.org, will help you see if you are at risk for having developing periodontal (gum) disease. Millions of people don’t know they have this serious infection that can lead to tooth loss if not treated.