Other symptoms also can help to determine if you have periodontal disease -- jot your answers to the following questions to find out!

• Do you ever have pain in your mouth?
  
• Do your gums ever bleed?
  
  • When you brush your teeth?
    
  • When you eat hard food?
• Have you noticed any spaces developing between your teeth, esp. your front teeth?
  
• Do your gums ever feel tender or look swollen?
  
• Have you noticed if your gums have pulled back from your teeth?
  
  • Are your gums receding?
    
  • Do your teeth appear longer?
• Do you have persistent bad breath even after brushing and using mouth wash?
  
• Have you noticed pus (whitish fluid) between your teeth and gums?
  
• Do you notice the way your teeth fit together when you bite?
  
  • Have you noticed any change?
• Do you ever develop sores in your mouth?

Don't let periodontal disease take away your smile. If you answered yes to any of these questions, get a periodontal evaluation right away -- and help save your natural teeth!

If you've already lost a tooth to periodontal disease, you may be interested in dental implants --the permanent tooth replacement option.