Indicators of Periodontal Disease

How Bad is Your Periodontal Infection?

The probing depth around your teeth is the major indicator for measuring the severity (or "how bad") of your periodontal infection. This is accomplished by using a special instrument (periodontal probe) to measure the depth of the space between your gum and tooth, called a sulcus or periodontal pocket. As probing depth increases the amount of bone loss increases; therefore, the higher the probing depth number the worse your disease. Generally, 2 - 3 mm is healthy unless one or more of the below factors are present.

Probing doesn't just give us a number. Probing aides in detecting problems along the tooth root - bleeding, caculus (tarter), cracks/ fractures, etc. 

Indicators of Periodontal Infection:

(What are the signs of a periodontal infection?)

1.  Probing Depth
2.  Bone Loss on X-rays
3.  Calculus (Tartar) -hardened deposits of bacteria "stuck" on your teeth/ roots
4.  Red, Swollen, Tender Gum Tissue
5.  Bleeding &/ or Pus from Gums
6.  Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
7.  Change in the fit of a removable partial denture
8.  Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
9.   Exposed Root Surfaces (gum recession)(link) or Longer Looking Teeth
10. Persistent bad breathe (Halitosis)(link NOT SURE WHERE THIS IS SUPPOSED TO LINK TO))
11. Mobile or Loose Teeth
12. Increased Space Between Teeth (Gaps)

From the Indicators of Periodontal Infection, You Will be Diagnosed with the Severity of Your Periodontal Infection. From the severity, a course of treatment will be planned to solve your periodontal and other dental problems.