Do I Have Periodontitis?

Do you have swollen or puffy gums?

Do you have bright red, dusky red or purplish gums?

Do your gums feel tender when touched or bleed easily?

Do you have a pink toothbrush after brushing or do you spit blood when brushing your teeth or flossing?

Do you have a bad breath that won’t go away?

Do you have pus between your teeth and gums?

Do you have loose teeth or have you perhaps lost one or more teeth?

Do you have painful chewing?

Have you noticed that you have more space between your teeth than before?

Do your gums pull away from your teeth (recede), making your teeth look longer than normal?

Have you noticed a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have periodontitis. Periodontitis is a condition that refers to an infection of the soft tissue that holds your teeth in place (gums). The mouth is usually full of bacteria that, along with food particles, constantly form a sticky film on the teeth called plaque. If your teeth are not cleaned regularly, plaque can harden into tartar. Plaque can cause the inflammation of the tissue around the bottom of the teeth, which, if left untreated, can progress to a more serious infection called periodontitis. Periodontitis involves the development of pockets between the gums and teeth, which are filled with bacteria.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious gum disease characterized by a bacterial infection of your gums that can lead to painful, bleeding gums, chewing problems, and even the loss of one or more teeth. Periodontitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, but it is also common in people who smoke, has diabetes, or hormonal changes. The severity and rate of progression of periodontitis depend on the number and type of bacteria, as well as the strength of your immune system. A diagnosis is based on your medical history, mouth examination, pocket depth measurement and a dental X-ray.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have periodontitis. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory gum disease caused by bacteria. In most cases, it is a chronic process that gradually worsens over the years. About 40 percent of people suffer from periodontitis which is actually the most common cause of tooth loss among adults. With timely diagnosis and treatment, periodontitis can be stopped and gum changes can be reversed. The treatment goal is to control the infection and prevent damage to the surrounding bone. You need to adopt a daily routine of good dental care. Your dentist will suggest quitting smoking to improve treatment outcomes.