Jenkintown Periodontics & Dental Implants
Drs. Suway, Toscano, and Amoa
Dental Implants, Cosmetic and Laser Periodontics
Call: (215) 887-6060

Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Common Signs & Symptoms

It is extremely important to note that periodontal disease can progress without any signs or symptoms at all.  This is why regular dental checkups are extremely important.  Described below are some of the most common signs and symptoms of periodontitis.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, the advice of a general dentist or periodontist should be sought as soon as possible:

  • Unexplained bleeding – Bleeding when brushing, flossing or eating food is one of the most common symptoms of a periodontal infection.  The toxins in plaque cause inflammation which makes the tissues prone to bleeding.  Bleeding is one of the first signs of this inflammation.
  • Pain, redness or swelling – A periodontal infection may be present if the gums are swollen, red or painful.  It is essential to halt the progression of the infection before the gum tissue and jaw bone have been affected.  It is also critical to treat the infection before it is carried into the bloodstream to other areas of the body.
  • Longer-looking teeth – Periodontal disease can lead to gum recession.  The toxins produced by bacteria can destroy the supporting tissue and bones, thus making the teeth look longer and the smile appear more “toothy.”
  • Bad breath/halitosis – Although breath odor can originate from the back of the tongue, the lungs and stomach, from the food we consume, or from tobacco use, bad breath may be caused by food particles and bacteria which sit between the teeth and underneath the gumline.  The deeper gum pockets are able to house more debris and bacteria, causing a foul odor.
  • Loose teeth/change in bite pattern – A sign of rapidly progressing periodontitis is the loosening or shifting of the teeth in the affected area.  As the bone tissue gets destroyed, teeth that were once firmly attached to the jawbone become loose or may shift in position.
  • Pus – Pus oozing from between the teeth is a definitive sign that a periodontal infection is in progress.  The pus is a result of the body trying to fight the bacterial infection.

It is important to halt the progression of periodontal disease before it causes further damage to the gum tissues and jawbone.   will initially assess the whole mouth in order to ascertain the extent of the disease.  When a diagnosis has been made, the doctors will recommend the most conservative treatment that is appropriate.

If you have any further questions about the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, please feel free to call the office.

Jenkintown Periodontics & Dental Implants, LLC
Dr. Neal B. Suway, Dr. Jeremy Toscano, and Dr. Natalie Amoa
Dental Implants, Cosmetic and Laser Periodontics
261 Old York Road Suite 319
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Phone: (215) 887-6060

Convenient to Philadelphia, Abington, Willow Grove, Elkins Park, Cheltenham, Horsham, Warminster, and Hatboro