Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

En Espaol (Spanish Version)

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

  • Red, swollen, puffy gums
  • Tendency for gums to bleed, particularly with tooth brushing and flossing
  • Tender, sore gums
  • Tooth sensitivity to temperature extremes
  • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
  • Pain during chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Shrunken, receding gum line
  • Pockets or gaps between the teeth and the gums
  • Abscesses, or pockets of infection
  • Pus oozing from the gums or between the teeth

References:

American Academy of Periodontology website. Available at: http://www.perio.org/ .

American Dental Association website. Available at: http://www.ada.org/ .

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/ .

Last reviewed July 2007 by Laura Morris-Olson, DMD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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