SIGNS OF GUM PROBLEMS

Don't Wait Until It Hurts

Periodontal disease is painless. It affects 75% of the population, and often victims are unaware.

1. Bleeding is the most common marker of infection. Small ulcers or wounds in the gum pocket bleed with the smallest provocation, such as flossing, brushing, irrigating, or even rinsing or chewing.
2. Red, swollen or tender gums are an indication of Periodontal Infection (PI).
3. Abscesses are swellings or bumps on the gum surface that can either appear suddenly or grow gradually. They can feel hot and/or painful. An abscess always indicates PI.
4. Gums that have pulled away from the teeth are a clear indication if PI.
5. Loose, shifting teeth or a change in the way teeth or partial dentures fit together when you bite is an indication of PI.
6. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide compounds, which are bacterial waste products. It is almost always a sign of PI. One way to determine if the cause is PI is to floss and then smell the floss. If it smells like rotten eggs or spoiled food, PI is probably present.
7. Medication can also cause bleeding. Anti-convulsants (dilantin) or hypertensive drugs like the calcium channel blockers (Cardizem, Tenormin) can cause hyperplasia, abnormal overgrowth of gum tissue. Aspirin and most anticoagulant medications will also cause a patient to bleed more easily.
8. Dental plaque is hard to see. Chewing red disclosing tablets, sold at grocery stores and drug stores, can stain plaque, making it more visible. Another technique to make plaque visible is to paint red food coloring on the teeth after brushing. The color left on the teeth shows where there is still plaque.

If one or more of these warning signs apply to you, bring it to the attention of your dentist or hygienist.

Even if your dentist or hygienist says that you have NO periodontal problems, chances are you have the germs that cause periodontal disease.

How do we know this? We have examined thousands of samples of oral plaque from the mouths of primarily "healthy" people. These samplings represent wide-ranging social, economic and cultural diversity. All the samples were examined using a phase-contrast microscope.

Dr. Jim Harrison using a phase-contrast microscope.

BRUSHING, FLOSSING AND RINSING DO NOT CLEAN BELOW THE GUM LINE (OR MORE THAN 1MM). ONLY ORAL IRRIGATING CAN REACH BELOW 1MM.

Healthy Gums have healthy pink color Gum line hugs teeth tightly NO bleeding
Gingivits Gums bleed when you brush Gums are inflamed and sensitive to the trouch Possible bad breath and bad taste Gum between teeth may look bluish-red in color
Early Periodontitis Gum boils or abscesses may develop Teeth look longer as jums begin to recede Front teeth may begin to drift, showing spaces Both horizontal and anular bone loos on x-ray Pockets between teeth and gums range from 4-6mm deep
Moderate Periodontits Gum boils or abscesses may develop Teeth look longer as gums begin to recede Front teeth may begin to drift, showing spaces Both horizontal and angular bone look on X-ray Pockets between teeth and gums range from 4-6mm deep
Advanced Periodontitis Teeth may become mobile or loose Bad breath, bad taste are constant Roots may be exposed and are sensitive to hot and cold Severe horizontal and angular bone loss on X-ray Pockets between teeth and gum now in excess of 6mm