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Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

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:

Gum disease: what you need to know. American Academy of Periodontology website. Available at: http://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease.htm. Updated May 2008. Accessed April 23, 2009.

Periodontal (gum) disease. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindData...opic/GumDisease/. Updated December 2008. Accessed April 23, 2009.

Periodontal (gum) diseases. American Dental Association website. Available at: http://www.ada.org/. Updated March 2005. Accessed April 23, 2009.

Last reviewed September 2012 by Michael Woods, MD

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.

Health Library

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

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