The DentalBrace
Clinic & Implant Centre
Signs & Symptoms
- • Swollen, red, or tender gums
- • Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- • Receding gums making teeth look longer
- • Loose or shifting teeth
Possible Causes
- • Accumulation of hardened plaque (tartar) below the gumline
- • Aggressive bacterial strains
- • Poor daily oral hygiene
Clinical Guidance
If Left Untreated
If left untreated, periodontitis unequivocally leads to jawbone destruction and the permanent loss of multiple natural teeth. It is also linked to systemic issues like cardiovascular disease.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek immediate care if you develop a painful, swollen periodontal abscess (pus) in the gums.
Professional Evaluation
Monitoring: Mild, occasional bleeding (gingivitis) can be monitored with improved home care, but should resolve within two weeks.
Recommendation: Professional evaluation is critical if bleeding is chronic, or if you notice any teeth becoming loose.
Treatment Options
Diagnosed through clinical periodontal probing (measuring pocket depths around teeth) and X-rays to visualize bone loss.
Scaling is the non-surgical first line of defense. Advanced bone loss requires surgical intervention to clean deep pockets that instruments cannot reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can periodontitis be cured?
It cannot be fully cured if bone is lost, but it can be successfully arrested and managed with professional care.
Is bleeding normal when flossing?
No. Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding is the first sign of bacterial inflammation.