<Things you should know> Correct knowledge about "periodontitis (gum disease)" (2) Symptoms, types (disease names), and diseases seen in periodontitis (gum disease) Simple self-check for periodontitis (gum disease) Main symptoms of periodontitis (pyorrhea) Diseases (symptoms) associated with periodontitis (gum disease) Diseases (symptoms) similar to periodontitis (gum disease) Periodontal disease is often called a "silent killer" because it progresses slowly without noticeable symptoms or significant changes in physical condition. Before it's too late and you don't realize you have the disease, check if you have any symptoms that might be causing it. Simple self-check for periodontitis (gum disease) Do any of the following sound familiar? Periodontal disease is a common condition that progresses over time, so regular self-checks are necessary. When I wake up in the morning, I feel a sticky sensation in my mouth. Food particles tend to get stuck between teeth. My gums are red and swollen. My teeth bleed when I brush them. Difficulty chewing hard foods You may experience itching or irritation in your gums. Pressing on the gums may cause pus to come out. I'm sometimes told I have bad breath. My teeth are getting crooked. I feel like my teeth are getting longer. Sometimes I feel like my teeth are loose or wobbly. If three of these items apply to you... You may have periodontitis (gum disease). Pay attention to how you brush your teeth, and if your symptoms worsen, see a dentist. If you have five or more items that apply to you... You may have advanced periodontitis (gum disease). We recommend consulting a dentist. If you have seven or more items that apply to you... Your periodontal disease (periodontitis) may be quite advanced. Please consult a dentist as soon as possible. However, if you experience even one severe symptom, we recommend consulting a dentist. Main symptoms of periodontitis (pyorrhea) Periodontitis (pyorrhea) is a disease caused by periodontal bacteria. It can damage periodontal tissue, so it's important to regularly remove plaque (plaque control). Doing so can reduce inflammation and stop the progression of periodontitis. The symptoms of periodontitis (pyorrhea) vary depending on its stage of progression. This article will explain the typical symptoms and their respective stages in detail. Mild In the early stages of periodontitis (gingivitis), there is usually not much pain or discomfort. If the cause is addressed at this stage, the symptoms will improve and the progression will stop. Common symptoms ■ Swollen or red gums ■ The gums between the teeth become rounded and swollen. ■ Plaque tends to accumulate around the gums. ■ Sometimes I experience bleeding when brushing my teeth. moderate Many people experience noticeable symptoms and suspect periodontitis (gum disease). If treated early, when tartar has just begun to form, treatment can be completed relatively quickly, and the chances of recovery are higher. Common symptoms ■ Gums turn dark red or reddish-purple ■ When brushing teeth, blood or pus comes out. ■ Tartar builds up on teeth ■ Gaps form between teeth, causing food to get stuck. ■ The gum line recedes, and the teeth become longer. ■ The tooth root is visible ■ Bad breath severe Along with noticeable symptoms, periodontal disease can significantly disrupt daily life. Periodontal disease is not just an oral disease; as it progresses, it also increases the risk of systemic health problems.Recently, it has been reported that periodontal bacteria and inflammatory substances from periodontitis can affect the entire body through the blood and saliva, potentially increasing the risk of blood clot formation (a factor in heart disease and arteriosclerosis), worsening diabetes, and developing aspiration pneumonia. Common symptoms ■ I feel pain when I bite hard things. ■ The alveolar bone that supports the teeth is destroyed, causing misalignment of the teeth. ■ Teeth become loose or fall out ■ Bad breath gets worse ■ I have a headache. Periodontitis (gum disease)Related illnesses (symptoms) What diseases are associated with periodontitis (gum disease)? Conversely, if you are aware of any of these diseases, you should also check to see if you are experiencing any symptoms of periodontitis. Tooth sensitivity Tooth sensitivity is a condition where you feel a tingling or stinging sensation when eating or drinking cold things. This is caused by periodontitis (gum disease), which causes the gums to recede, exposing the tooth roots and making them susceptible to irritation. Unlike the upper part of the tooth, the root is not covered by enamel, so it cannot protect the tooth from temperature changes. sinusitis Sinusitis is a condition in which bacteria or viruses enter the sinuses, spaces located deep inside the nose, causing inflammation of the mucous membrane. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, and headache. There are various causes, but because the molars in the upper jaw are in contact with the sinuses, periodontal disease can sometimes trigger the condition. Relationship with systemic diseases If periodontitis (gingivitis) progresses, periodontal bacteria can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream, potentially becoming one of the causes of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, and dementia. Furthermore, people with diabetes often also have periodontal disease, and treatment for both diabetes and periodontal disease may be combined. For periodontitis (gum disease)Similar diseases (symptoms) Next, I will introduce diseases that are easily mistaken for periodontitis (pyorrhea) due to similar symptoms. While these diseases may share some of the same symptoms as periodontitis, they have different causes and therefore require completely different treatments. tooth decay Some people may suspect periodontitis (gum disease) based on symptoms such as tooth sensitivity or gaps between teeth. However, periodontitis and cavities are completely different conditions, so it is recommended to consult a dentist. Teeth grinding People who clench or grind their teeth while sleeping may experience excessive pressure on their nerves, leading to temporary tooth sensitivity. In such cases, a custom-made mouthguard can be created to protect the teeth and help heal the damaged nerves. Teeth can crack or break. Some people with strong biting power may accidentally crack their molars or develop cracks that cause gum swelling. Because they feel irritation in their teeth, some people mistake this for periodontitis (gum disease). Supervised by: Dr. Masato Kobayashi, Director of Sara Dental Clinic NogataGraduated from Niigata School of Life Dentistry, Nippon Dental University in 1998. Member of the Japanese Society of Oral Implantology, the Japanese Society of Gnathology and Occlusion, and the Japanese Society for Dental Aesthetics. After serving as director of clinics providing state-of-the-art dental treatment in Shinagawa and Minato wards, she opened Sara Dental Clinic Nogata. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.