Hi @awilst, Some initial signs of periodontal disease are swollen/puffy, red, sore-looking gums, bleeding when brushing, chronic bad breath, loose teeth…there are myriad symptoms. I’ve posted a link below from the Mayo Clinic website which goes through quite a list.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473
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Here are a few more:
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease
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https://www.verywellhealth.com/signs-of-gum-disease-4129574
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https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/periodontitis
If you’re concerned about this chronic inflammation in your body potentially stemming from your oral health, make an appointment for an exam, cleaning and X-rays. The X-rays will give an overall picture of the bone health, possible tooth decay and check for potential abscesses at the apex of the root of the teeth. Infection is another potential cause of inflammation.
If you don’t want the cleaning then just request an exam. But let the receptionist know that you’d like a periodontal exam along with the dental exam. That’s generally done routinely with a annual dental checkup for an adult. The hygienist will use a periodontal probe to measure the pockets around the tooth on the inside, outside and inbetween the teeth. That’s a small instrument which checks for gum health and bone depth around each tooth. If everything checks out you can be fairly certain that the inflammatory issues for PMR aren’t coming from your mouth.

There are laboratory tests to measure toxic levels of metals in your blood and other inflammatory markers. Have you discussed any of your concerns with your doctor to see if specific tests can be run? Is your doctor suspicious of any particular trigger?