Diagnosis

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There are four ways a dentist or dental hygienist can tell if you have gum disease:

• By looking at the gums to see if they are red, swollen and inflamed and by checking for tartar or calculus (hardened plaque) beneath the gum line. The dentist or dental hygienist will also check for gum recession.

• By using an instrument called a periodontal probe to see if the gums bleed when they are probed and by checking for and measuring the periodontal pockets. Deeper pockets usually signal advanced disease.

• By checking for loose teeth.

• By taking dental x-rays to check for any loss of the bone that helps anchor teeth.