What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
Disease description:
My husband has recently been experiencing bleeding while brushing his teeth, with red and swollen gums. Occasionally, he feels his teeth are loose when eating. We suspect it might be periodontitis. Could you please explain the specific symptoms of periodontitis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Chao
In general, periodontitis may present symptoms such as gingival bleeding, redness and swelling of the gums, gum pain or sensitivity, bad breath, and gum recession. Patients should visit a hospital and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Gingival bleeding: Bleeding of the gums during tooth brushing or biting hard objects is the most common early sign, possibly caused by inflammation-induced dilation and increased permeability of gum blood vessels.
2. Redness and swelling of the gums: The gum edges appear red and swollen, with a soft texture, losing their normal pinkish luster, appearing dark red or bright red.
3. Gum pain or sensitivity: The gums are sensitive to stimuli such as cold, heat, sour, or sweet substances, or mild pain may occur, especially noticeable during tooth brushing.
4. Bad breath: Oral odor caused by bacterial metabolic products and retained food debris may be accompanied by worsening of gum inflammation.
5. Gum recession: The gum margin recedes toward the root of the tooth, exposing the root surface, leading to tooth sensitivity and widened gaps between teeth.
If left untreated for a long time, periodontitis can destroy periodontal tissues, resulting in insufficient tooth support, tooth mobility, or even displacement. When the above symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for periodontal treatment to control the condition and maintain oral health.
