About Gum Disease

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

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:

• Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
• Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
• Loose or separating teeth
• Sores in your mouth
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of your partial denture

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.

More information:

What is Gum Disease?
Are Your Gums Receding?