Associated symptoms

Often periodontitis is not recognized by those affected, as it does not initially cause significant symptoms. There are some signs that can indicate an existing or developing periodontitis. These signs include increased bleeding of the gums, swelling of the gums, exposed sensitive tooth necks, conspicuous bad breath, receding gums (gingival recession), unpleasant taste in the mouth or even wobbly teeth.

In most cases, periodontitis is preceded by gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). This is manifested by swelling, redness and pain of the gums. It also hurts very often when brushing the teeth.

In addition to the main symptoms of periodontitis (inflammation, pocket depth, bone loss) there are also some accompanying symptoms. These do not necessarily have to occur, but complicate the clinical picture. These are listed in summary form: Swelling or shrinking of the gums (gingiva), bleeding, fistulas, tooth migration, tilting, lengthening, tooth loosening, tooth loss, bad breath.

The pain of periodontitis depends on the individual pain perception of the affected person as well as on the stage of periodontitis. In the beginning, unpleasant pain often occurs when brushing the teeth, because the gums are inflamed. The receding gums, which is accompanied by progressive periodontitis, result in the exposure of the tooth necks.

This can be very painful, especially when the teeth are exposed to cold or warm stimuli. Furthermore, patients report pain after periodontitis treatment. However, these are healing pains.

During the treatment there is no pain due to anesthesia. After the anesthesia has worn off, healing pain develops. This can be relieved by painkillers such as ibuprofen.

Treatment is very important despite possible discomfort. Untreated periodontitis leads to bone loss and tooth loss. An increased and intensified bad breath can be a sign of developing periodontitis.

The odor is produced by bacteria that metabolize existing food residues. In the process, sulphurous intermediate products are formed, which cause unpleasant bad breath. If the bad breath does not disappear after 1 – 2 weeks despite good oral hygiene, a dentist should be consulted to clarify the cause.