Diagnosis – How to recognize gum disease

Gum disease is diagnosed through a process that measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth. Pockets that are greater than 3 millimetres in depth are considered hazardous and will generally require treatment.

The early detection and prevention of gum disease is another reason to see your dentist regularly.

Healthy Gums

Gingivitis

Gaps starting to open up between the teeth, gums starting to look puffy, red areas around lower gum line, would bleed on brushing, would respond well to treatment

Moderate Periodontitis

Gaps starting to open up between the teeth, gums starting to look puffy, red areas around lower gum line, would bleed on brushing, would respond well to treatment.

Advanced Periodontitis

In Advanced Periodontitis two thirds of the bone holding the teeth in would have dissolved away, bad breath, teeth loose and falling out, poor prognosis even with treatment.