COMMON SYMPTOMS OF PYORRHEA

If periodontal disease is bad, wait until pyorrhea lurks its head.  Pyorrhea is the result of the advanced stages of periodontal disease.  Without sufficient oral care pyorrhea causes the ligaments and bones that support the teeth to become inflamed and infected.

Since pyorrhea is an advanced stage of periodontal disease the earliest indication of oral problems will be the diagnosis of gingivitis.  If gingivitis is not treated then that will lead to periodontal disease.  If periodontal disease is not treated then pyorrhea will occur.  The symptoms of gingivitis and pyorrhea mirror each other.  Early symptoms of pyorrhea include:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen and/or tender gums
• Shiny gums
• Bright red or red-purple gums
• Bad breath

Pyorrhea causes the gums and bones that support the teeth to become inflamed and infected.  Pyorrhea also breaks down the bones that support the teeth.   As pyorrhea progresses the gums will begin to recede and the teeth will become loose.  In addition, the gums will become red and inflamed, and pus will be visible coming from the gums and around the teeth.  Pyorrhea is virtually painless, which is different from other diseases that affect the oral cavity.  The gums may feel tender to the touch, but it will be nothing unbearable.  This is why many people are not treated for pyorrhea, nor do they know that they have pyorrhea because they feel no excruciating pain.

These symptoms are the result of plaque forming on the teeth and not being removed with adequate oral care.  The plaque that forms on the teeth and gums causes pockets to form between the teeth and gums.  As these pockets become deeper, plaque buries itself within and results in the breakdown of the gums and the bones that support the teeth.

Another symptom of pyorrhea is halitosis.  Halitosis is also known as bad breath.  The same bacteria that causes halitosis erodes the jaw bone easily.  This leads to tooth loss.

Knowing the warning signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease is important in order to abate pyorrhea.  It is important to practice daily oral hygiene and maintain routine dental check-ups and cleanings.  Staying on top of oral care allows a person to notice any abnormal changes in their teeth and gums and bring it to their dentist’s attention.  Early detection of diseases involving the oral cavity is crucial.  If a dentist can detect a problem before it evolves into a severe issue, costly and painful procedures may be avoided.