What would you do to decide if you have gum disease?

Ask you dentist: In may instances, there may not really be any outward signs. Usually, the gums are red and sore and puffy, but not always.

Dental exam: Gum disease tends to be a silent disease. Classic symptoms include bleeding gum, teeth changing their original position, tooth mobility or bad breathe. In rare occasion, patients might experience pain. The most definitive way to determine if you have gum disease is through a clinical exam in which measurements are taken around the gums. This exam is called periodontal charting.

Gingivitis,not perio: Gingivitis, which is a type of gum problem includes inflammation and bleeding. Gum tissue change color with roll, round, bulbous margin. Gingivitis can most often recognized by patient. However, periodontitis which is a disease affecting the tooth attachment apparatus (bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament) required definitive diagnosis and treatment by a dentist/periodontist.

Signs: Bleeding gums, swollen gums, loose teeth, bad breath, receeding gums. These are all signs of gum disease. See your dentist and get a periodontal exam with xrays. Your dentist can easily diagnose this for you.