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Pyorrhea - gum disease; Inflammation of gums - involving bone
Note: Early symptoms resemble gingivitis.
Examination of the mouth and teeth by the dentist shows soft, swollen, red-purple gums. 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 and may also show the presence of plaque deposits under the gums.
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