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Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

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Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

  • Red, swollen, puffy gums
  • Tendency for gums to bleed, particularly with tooth brushing and flossing
  • Tender, sore gums
  • Tooth sensitivity to temperature extremes
  • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
  • Pain during chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Shrunken, receding gum line
  • Pockets or gaps between the teeth and the gums
  • Abscesses, or pockets of infection
  • Pus oozing from the gums or between the teeth

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • Gum disease: what you need to know. American Academy of Periodontology website. Available at: http://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease.htm . Updated May 2008. Accessed April 23, 2009.

  • Periodontal (gum) disease. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/GumDisease/ . Updated December 2008. Accessed April 23, 2009.

  • Periodontal (gum) diseases. American Dental Association website. Available at: http://www.ada.org/ . Updated March 2005. Accessed April 23, 2009.

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