Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist during a periodontal examination.  This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up.

A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums.  The depth of a healthy sulcus measures three millimeters or less and does not bleed upon probing.  The periodontal probe helps indicate if pockets are deeper than three millimeters.  As periodontal disease progresses, the pockets usually get deeper.

Your dentist or hygienist will use pocket depths, amount of bleeding, inflammation, tooth mobility, etc., to make a diagnosis that will fall into one of the commonly described major categories listed below. However, there are many other types of periodontal disease, falling into continuously revised categories and sub-categories.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease.  Plaque and its toxic by-products irritate the gums, making them tender, inflamed, and likely to bleed. Gingivitis is reversible.

Periodontitis

Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar).  As calculus and plaque continue to build up, the gums begin to recede from the teeth.  Deeper pockets form between the gums and teeth and become filled with bacteria and occasionally pus (gum abscess).  The gums become very irritated, inflamed, and bleed easily.  Slight to moderate bone loss may be present.

Advanced Periodontitis

The teeth lose more support as the gums, bone, and periodontal ligament continue to be destroyed.  Unless treated, the affected teeth will become loose and may be lost.  Generalized moderate to severe bone loss may be present.