Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Gum disease (periodontitis) is not always obvious until the infection has reached an aggressive stage of bone and soft tissue loss.  That being said, some of the most common symptoms to watch for include:

• Bad breath
• Tartar buildup 
• Swollen, red, or tender gums
• Bleeding when you brush and floss
• Receding gumlines (“long in the tooth”/exposed roots)
• Teeth with gaps or spaces between them
• Tooth mobility
• Tooth movement/shifting throughout your mouth
• Pus or sores in your mouth
• A bad taste coming from your teeth

If you smoke or have underlying medical conditions such as anemia, you may be less likely to experience the common signs of bleeding, redness, or swelling. Be sure to schedule a periodontal evaluation each year.