Most people are totally unaware that they have periodontal disease. Before major symptoms and pain occurs, this health issue may have already set in. For those that do not get regular six month dental check ups they could be well on their way to losing their teeth and contributing to other major health problems.

Before the systems become severe, it is important that regular six month check ups with a dentist are made to identify periodontal disease.

SIX SIGNS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE:
● Bad breath that won't go away
● Red or swollen gums
● Tender or bleeding gums
● Painful chewing
● Loose teeth
● Sensitive teeth

The first clue to periodontal disease is bad breath that is constant and won't go away. When dealing with chronic bad breath, it is important that a systemic disease, such as diabetes, is ruled out. Other causes of bad breath that may have nothing to do with periodontal disease are diet (coffee, sugar, spicy foods) and medication (for colds and high blood pressure to name a few). Some sources of bad breath can originate in the lungs, sinus or stomach. These factors must also be considered. However, since about 80% of the population has periodontal disease, it is most likely that bad breath is caused by this disease in the mouth.

Those plump red gums that may look healthy to the uneducated eye are really symptoms of periodontal disease. Pay particular attention to the areas around the tooth. Red or purple coloring around the tooth indicate the disease. Healthy gums are pink with the surface showing "stippling", like the surface of an orange, not smooth and puffy like a water balloon.

Gums that are tender to the touch and that bleed with the slightest aggravation are signs of periodontal disease. Gums should not bleed when brushing or flossing. Bleeding gums are an indication that the tissue is dying and infection is setting in.

Painful chewing is another sign of periodontal disease. Sharp pain located in just one tooth could be dental decay, a cracked tooth, one in need of a root canal or a new filling that is too high. Those with TMJ (Temporomandibular joint dysfunction) experience jaw pain, which is different than teeth hurting from chewing. Overall or non-localized pain is often the result of periodontal disease.

Teeth that are loose in the mouth from periodontal disease are caused by plaque deposits along and under the gum line around the bone of the tooth. The bone begins to deteriorate and the tooth looses its support into the jaw. Pockets form around the tooth further collecting bacteria, exacerbating the problem.

Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, sour and cold air can also be a periodontal disease symptom. Gums that are receding due to the disease expose the root surfaces that are covered in tiny tubes leading to the nerve in the tooth. When the external stimulus (hot, cold, etc.) is introduced to the exposed portion of the tooth, pain is felt in the nerves.

Although late stages of periodontal disease show signs, early stages do not. Visit your dentist before the signs appear.