Common Gum Disease Symptoms
Many patients do not realize they have gum disease until the problem has progressed to periodontitis or advanced stages. It is easy to overlook bleeding gums or inflamed gums but these symptoms should not be ignored! Periodontal disease symptoms include:
- Chronic bad breath
- Swollen or red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease can be identified by three key stages: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and can be reversed with timely treatment. Symptoms include puffy gums and bad breath. Periodontitis is when pockets start to form around the teeth and plaque and bacteria get trapped in the pockets which in turn start to destroy the supporting structures of the teeth. If left untreated, the condition progresses to advanced periodontitis where the bacteria destroy connective tissue and the teeth can fall out.
