Periodontitis is a serious and painful dental condition that can cause many health problems if left untreated. It is caused by an infection of the gums, and can cause gum recession, tooth loss, and even bone loss. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the body, leading to serious medical complications.
The primary way to know if periodontitis is bad is by looking for symptoms. Common signs of periodontitis include red, swollen, and/or tender gums, receding gums, bad breath, and loose or shifting teeth. If these symptoms are present, it is best to seek professional dental care.
In more advanced cases of periodontitis, additional symptoms may be present, such as pain while chewing, pus around the teeth and gums, and gum abscesses. If any of these more serious symptoms are present, it is especially important to seek professional care as soon as possible.
Your dentist can also help diagnose periodontitis. During a regular checkup, they may take x-rays of your teeth to look for signs of bone loss, as well as measure the space between your gums and teeth to check for gum recession. If any of these signs are present, they can recommend a course of treatment.
It is important to remember that periodontitis is a serious condition that can cause many health problems if left untreated. If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible.