What Are the Early Signs of Gum Disease?

Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? Are they red, swollen, or tender? While these symptoms may seem like minor concerns, they are often the earliest warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Left untreated, this progressive condition is a leading cause of adult tooth loss. Our team at North Mountain Dentistry has put together this helpful guide to help you spot the warning signs early and seek the timely treatment you need.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a progressive inflammation and infection affecting the gums, bone, and tissues that hold your teeth firmly in place. It typically begins with plaque buildup along the gumline. The earliest stage, known as gingivitis, can often be reversible with prompt care.

Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe, chronic infection that can destroy the bone and the structures that support your teeth. This is why it’s so important to keep up with your routine dental exams and cleanings. If we see any signs of gum inflammation or infection, we will recommend prompt treatment to safeguard your oral health.

What Are the Earliest Signs of Gum Disease You Should Never Ignore?

The following is a look at some of the earliest warning signs of gum disease:

• Bleeding Gums: Healthy gums should not bleed. One of the most common warning signs is gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
• Red, Puffy, or Tender Gums: Healthy gums are usually firm and pink. When harmful bacteria build up along your gumline, your immune system responds with inflammation, causing your gums to appear red or swollen and feel sensitive to the touch.
• Persistent Bad Breath: Bad breath that won’t go away after brushing or using mouthwash can be caused by bacteria beneath the gumline. Chronic bad breath is often an overlooked symptom of developing gum disease.

What Are Signs of Advanced Gum Disease?

As the condition progresses, patients often experience the following:

• Receding Gums: Gum disease can lead to the gum tissue pulling away from your teeth. This can leave your teeth looking longer.
• Tooth Sensitivity: As the gums recede, they can leave the tooth roots exposed. This can leave your teeth sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, as well as sweet or acidic foods and beverages.
• Spontaneous Gum Bleeding: Gum bleeding when you brush and floss may indicate early gum inflammation. But if the gums bleed on their own or even with light contact, it’s usually a sign of more advanced gum disease.
• Loose Teeth: As the infection progresses, it can cause damage to the structures that support your teeth, leading to loose teeth. Teeth that shift or no longer fit together as they once did are also a sign of advanced gum disease.

Research has found associations between periodontal disease and serious health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and even adverse pregnancy outcomes, which is why it’s important to seek prompt care.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

We typically recommend a deep dental cleaning known as scaling and root planing (SRP). This non-surgical gum disease treatment involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line, followed by cleaning and smoothing any rough areas on your tooth root surfaces. This helps encourage the gum tissue to heal and reattach.

After treatment, we typically recommend periodontal maintenance visits every three months to help keep your gums as healthy as possible and your teeth intact. At every visit, we will clean your teeth, evaluate the depth of your periodontal pockets, and intervene as needed to address any active infection.

Gum Disease Treatment Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If you experience any warning signs of gum disease, our team at North Mountain Dentistry is here for you. We offer personalized gum disease treatment to restore your gum health and support your long-term oral health. Call us at 602-285-9979 to schedule your appointment or request one online today.