Tooth Tips | 5 Signs of Gum Disease

One of the most common dental issues, gum disease typically begins slowly and painlessly, making it difficult to detect without regular checkups.

Some key signs of gum disease:

Red or swollen gums

Healthy gums should be pink, so having red and puffy gums can be a sign of the earliest stages of gum disease (gingivitis).

Bleeding gums

If you notice your gums bleeding after brushing or flossing, you might have a buildup of plaque caused by poor dental hygiene. If improving your habits (i.e. brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day) doesn’t help, visit your dentist as soon as you can.

Frequent bad breath

If your breath seems to smell bad no matter what you do, this might be a warning sign for gum disease, particularly when combined with any of the other symptoms in this list.

Receding Gums

When gums recede, gaps can form between the gum and tooth, allowing bacteria to build up and cause a host of issues. If your gums recede too much, it may lead to bone loss, which can lead to:

Loose Teeth

If left untreated, gum disease can eventually damage the bone supporting your dental structure causing your teeth to loosen or even fall out. Loose teeth are a sign that your gum disease is in a more advanced stage (periodontitis).

Luckily, regular checkups can allow your dentist to diagnose gum disease in its earliest stages, so make sure you don’t skip your next appointment!

Tagged as: gum disease