Periodontal disease: causes, symptoms and why they shouldn’t be ignored

Periodontal disease: causes, symptoms and why they shouldn’t be ignored

Topics: Periodontal

Have you ever heard of periodontal disease? Do you know what causes this severe inflammation that, in its final stage, leads to tooth loss? Can you recognize its symptoms?

First of all, let’s explain what periodontitis is.

Periodontal disease can be defined as a severe infection of the tissues holding your teeth in place, and it is caused by the accumulation of bacteria (through the build-up of plaque and its transformation into tartar) on your teeth and gums. The main consequence of untreated periodontitis is an extremely severe aggression to the bone and ligaments around your teeth, followed by tooth loss.

To avoid periodontitis, it is essential to understand not only its causes but also to recognize its symptoms and act accordingly, both at home and with the support of your dentist.

Periodontitis does start in a very subtle manner, initially manifesting as inflammation and gingivitis, which, if left untreated, will get progressively worse over time following specific stages:

  1. Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis): one of its first signs is bleeding, especially while flossing or brushing your teeth. The accumulation of plaque, composed of different types of bacteria and food debris, occurs when oral hygiene is not carried out scrupulously.
  2. Early periodontal disease: gum recession is the main symptom and is usually associated by the presence of pockets between the teeth and the gums. These pockets create the perfect conditions for harmful bacteria and cause infections. All the while, gum tissues begin to recede and bleeding increases. Bone loss can also begin.
  3. Moderate periodontal disease: as periodontitis progresses, you begin to experience pain and discomfort around your teeth, with further gum recession and bleeding even when the area is not stimulated. Your teeth lose bone support and become loose. The infection starts to progress and extend throughout your whole body.
  4. Advanced or severe periodontal disease: in the latest stage of pyorrhea, the connective tissues holding your teeth in place are severely deteriorated: gums, bones, and supporting tissues are destroyed. Classic symptoms of advanced periodontitis include severe halitosis, foul taste in your mouth, loose teeth/tooth loss and pain while chewing.


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It is easy to understand why periodontal disease should never be ignored. However, how can you notice it from its early stages? By paying attention to a series of specific symptoms that can occur at different stages of the disease.

Let’s take a look at all the warning signs that should never go unnoticed:

  • Bleeding gums while brushing your teeth, flossing, chewing
  • Halitosis (persistent bad breath)
  • Loose teeth
  • Gingival recession
  • Changes in the position of your teeth
  • Reddened gums
  • Swollen gums
  • Pain while chewing
  • Foul taste in your mouth
  • Tooth loss
  • Inflammatory response throughout your whole body

If you are, or have been experiencing one or more of these symptoms, emergency measures and timely interventions are of the essence: get in touch with our clinics now for a consultation.