Can i still have periodontal disease if the gums look pink and normal?

Signs: Gum disease can be generalized or localized to certain areas. The front teeth may be healthy and pink, while the areas you cannot see may be breaking down. Redness is just one of many signs of gum disease. Your dentist or periodontist, gum specialist, should do a through exam with charting and x-rays and show you exactly where the treatment is needed.

Yes: Yes...It is possible you could have bone loss and not have bleeding gums. An experienced laser trained periodontist can give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. The doctor will need a recent set of quality digital images to access your situation.

Absolutely!: This is an excellent question. There are plenty of cases where tissue appearance can mask periodontal disease. Smokers and patients on calcium channel blocker medications tend to have less inflammation and the gums will look more pink and less red. The disease may still be progressing - and in some cases even more rapidly then in cases where the symptoms are obvious.

Unfortunately yes: Long-standing infection can sometimes turn from the red swollen type, to the more pink color, and it can fool you into a false sense of security. Please see your dentist.