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Periodontitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Pyorrhea - gum disease; Inflammation of gums - involving bone

Symptoms:

• Swollen gums
• Gums that appear bright red or red-purple
• Gums that appear shiny
• Gums that bleed easily (blood on toothbrush even with gentle brushing of the teeth)
• Gums that are tender when touched but are painless otherwise
• Breath odor
• Loose teeth

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 and may also show the presence of plaque deposits under the gums.

• Review Date: 8/8/2007
• Reviewed By: Michael Kapner, D.D.S., General and Cosmetic Dentistry, New Rochelle, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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