When diagnosing gum disease, the following symptoms are important for your doctor:
- Swollen gums
- Tenderness or bleeding
- Loose teeth
- Extra sensitivity
- Receding gumline
- Halitosis or bad breath
During the exam, other symptoms will be evaluated, such as red gums, swelling, and sores on the soft tissue. A periodontal probe will measure the pockets in the gums surrounding the teeth. Healthy gums will measure at a length of 1 to 3 millimeters. A higher length may indicate potential gum disease. X-rays can be conducted to reveal bone loss caused by disease.
If there is even a small sign hinting at periodontal infection, you must contact your dentist for an examination and treatment. Treating infections early means you are less likely to need invasive procedures.
