Periodontitis

Alternative names:

pyorrhea gum disease

Symptoms:

• swollen gums
• gums appear bright red or red-purple
• gums appear shiny
• gums bleed easily
  • blood on toothbrush even with gentle brushing of the teeth

• gums may be tender when touched but are painless otherwise
• breath odor

Note: Early symptoms resemble gingivitis.

Signs and tests:

Examination of the mouth and teeth by the dentist shows soft, swollen, red-purple gingiva. Deposits of plaque and calculus may be visible at the base of the teeth, with enlarged pockets in the gums. The gums are usually painless or mildly tender, unless a tooth abscess is also present. Teeth may be loose and gums may be receded.

Dental X-rays reveal the loss of supporting bone.