Which condition indicates a severe periodontal issue?

Worsening probing depths is a significant indicator of severe periodontal issues because it reflects the progression of periodontal disease. As periodontal disease advances, the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gum tissue and bone, become increasingly compromised. This deterioration can lead to deeper pockets around the teeth, as more attachment loss occurs. An increase in probing depths often signifies that the periodontal tissue is not intact and that inflammation may have escalated, allowing the disease to advance.

The presence of bleeding on probing and increased plaque accumulation can also be associated with periodontal conditions, but they are not as definitive in indicating severity on their own. Bleeding may occur in early stages of gingivitis or periodontitis, while plaque accumulation is a common finding in many patients regardless of disease severity. Loss of tooth mobility, while concerning, typically indicates a late stage of periodontal disease and is often seen after significant tissue destruction has occurred. Thus, worsening probing depths specifically highlight active disease progression and a deteriorating periodontal state.