Cosmetic Dentistry: Before and After Slideshow Pictures Take the Dental Health Quiz

Periodontal (Gum) Disease Symptoms

• Gingivitis
  
  
  • Gingivitis includes swelling and bleeding of the gums, bad breath, or a bad taste in your mouth. Good teeth-brushing and flossing can reverse the affects of gingivitis.
    
    
  • Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is an advanced and invasive form of gingivitis that causes sore gums and a whitish membrane on the gums. It requires antibiotics as part of the treatment.
• 
  
• Periodontitis
  
  
  • Periodontitis occurs when bacterial toxins and enzymes destroy the connective tissue and bone.
    
    
  • The gums draw back, and the roots of the teeth are exposed. The teeth may become very sensitive to temperature changes, or new cavities can develop.
    
    
  • The pocket between the tooth and the gums deepens; plaque in this area is very difficult to remove. Bacteria invade the surrounding structures.
    
    
  • When the gums pull away from the teeth, pus develops between the teeth and the gums or the permanent teeth become loose in their sockets. Only a dentist can decide whether the teeth can be saved.