What are the symptoms of periodontitis?

Periodontitis symptoms include gingival bleeding and swelling, periodontal pocket formation, alveolar bone loss, tooth mobility and displacement, and recurrent oral malodor. If spontaneous severe tooth pain or significant gingival purulence occurs, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are recommended.

1. Gingival bleeding and swelling: The gums turn dark red, with swollen, thickened margins. Bleeding easily occurs during toothbrushing or chewing hard foods; in some cases, spontaneous oozing may occur. The gingival tissue no longer adheres tightly to the tooth surface and feels soft and spongy.

2. Periodontal pocket formation: Deepened spaces develop between the gingiva and tooth surface, accumulating dental plaque and calculus. Food debris readily becomes trapped within these pockets, fostering continuous bacterial proliferation and progressive local tissue destruction, thereby perpetuating inflammatory spread.

3. Alveolar bone loss: Chronic inflammation progressively invades and erodes the bony structures surrounding the tooth roots, resulting in gradual bone resorption. Although bone loss is not readily visible to the naked eye, it steadily undermines the structural support for teeth and serves as a key indicator of disease progression.

4. Tooth mobility and displacement: As supporting periodontal tissues deteriorate, teeth become increasingly unstable. Mobility may be noticeable during mastication; some teeth may shift position, leading to widening interdental spaces and varying degrees of functional impairment during eating.

5. Recurrent oral malodor: Inflammatory exudates accumulate within periodontal pockets, and bacterial breakdown of these substances generates unpleasant odors. Routine rinsing and brushing rarely eliminate this odor completely; it intensifies during disease flares and may be accompanied by gingival purulent discharge.

Maintain thorough cleaning of teeth and interdental spaces, limit intake of sugary and sticky foods, and undergo regular dental examinations. Early detection and intervention for gingival abnormalities help slow periodontal tissue destruction and reduce the risk of tooth mobility and loss.