Symptoms and Diagnosis of Periodontitis
The key symptoms for periodontitis are bad breath and soft, shiny gums that bleed easily. The patients’ description of symptoms, along with simple examination of mouth, is sufficient to diagnose periodontitis.
Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Bad breath or breath odor
- Gums appear bright red or dark red-purple
- Shiny gums
- Gums bleed easily (may cause bleeding even with gentle brushing)
- Tender, painless gums or swollen gums.
- Loose teeth
Diagnosis of Periodontitis
Diagnosis of periodontitis is based on the description of symptoms by the patient, and by oral examination for plaque, tartar or bleeding gums. Gum health is examined by measuring the depth of the gingival sulcus, the channel between gums and teeth, using a metal probe. An X-ray may be necessary to study bone loss.