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Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

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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

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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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/FindDataByTopic/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.

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