Periodontal Disease PhotosGum disease photos to provide inspiration
Periodontal disease photos are not pleasant to look at, but may be helpful when trying to decide if you have gum disease symptoms. Periodontal disease occurs in many forms and is not always this obvious. In fact, usually it is not obvious at all. The vast majority of people with gum disease don't even know they have it. You could still have gum disease even if your gums don't look anything like these gum disease pictures.
The best way to know for sure is to have a complete periodontal exam including dental x rays by your dentist or hygienist.
Why look at gum disease photos?
Wouldn't you rather look at gums like this? However, these gum disease photos provide an opportunity to point out some important gum disease facts and I don't mind using some candid gum pics to inspire you. If these don't make you reach for your toothbrush and floss, I don't know what will? So...don't be discouraged, be inspired:) You can improve the health of your gums.
Pictures of Gingivitis:
This one is an example of severe gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and the easiest type to cure. If you have gingivitis, you will see red swollen gums instead of pink and firm gums. If this person brushed, flossed or even touched these gums, they would bleed. Look at the gums between the teeth and compare them to the healthy gums in the other photo. Seems pretty obvious and it is easy to spot gingivitis when it occurs front and center, right between your two front teeth. Gingivitis becomes more difficult to diagnose and is much more common on the tongue side of your lower molars...who ever looks there? Only your dentist or hygienist:)
Seen enough? Wait, there are more gum disease photos... 
This picture shows how gum disease progresses. These gums look a little less red and swollen which seems like a good thing.
But, if you look close, you can see the gums are starting to pull away from the teeth. This is a more advanced case of gum disease that has started to impact the supporting tissue and maybe even the bone that surrounds these teeth.
Last but not least, gum recession and tooth abfraction... 
This picture illustrates a coupe of important dental conditions. Try to ignore the big gaps in this smile and look closely at the teeth that are still there:)
Receding gum line You can see receded gums in this picture. Gum recession happens for a varitety of reasons and occurs even when there are no other symptoms of gum disease.
Abfraction Look at the notches in the canine teeth near the gums. Those are called abfractions and are caused by a combination of factors including clenching, grinding and abrasion from improper brushing or abrasive toothpaste. Most dentists agree, the main cause is clenching or grinding of teeth which stresses the enamel near the gum line and results in these unsightly notches. Abfraction is not gum disease but since it occurs so close to the gums, has an impact on the health of your gums.
Return from periodontal disease photos to swollen gums
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A note of thanks..."I just wanted to write and say thanks for all the great info on this site.What I thought was going to be 'doom and gloom' turned out to be very pleasant and hopeful; delivered in a non-judgemental, friendly format. You have caused me to feel optimistic that I can turn things around."
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