Gum disease is a common problem that many people don’t notice until it becomes serious. It starts slowly but can eventually lead to bigger issues, like losing teeth or even affecting your overall health. The good news is that if you know what to look for, you can catch it early.
Spotting the first signs of gum disease is an important step in protecting both your smile and your health. Learn about the signs, and how periodontal treatments can help below.
What Are The Early Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum disease begins when plaque builds up on your teeth and along your gums. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque hardens into tartar that irritates your gums and causes swelling. This first stage is gingivitis.
Gingivitis can usually be reversed with good cleaning habits and a visit to the dentist. But if it isn’t treated, it can turn into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis harms the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place.
Red or Swollen Gums
One of the earliest clues that your gums may be in trouble is a change in how they look or feel. Healthy gums are pink and firm. If your gums become red, puffy, or swollen, it’s a sign that your body is fighting off bacteria. This swelling is your immune system’s way of responding to an infection.
Bleeding During Brushing or Flossing
A lot of people think it’s normal for gums to bleed when they brush or floss, especially if they haven’t been flossing every day. But bleeding gums are actually one of the most common early warnings of gum disease. It means your gum tissue is inflamed and irritated by plaque buildup. Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed easily, so seeing blood is a sign you should pay attention to.
Persistent Bad Breath
Everyone has bad breath sometimes, but it could be a sign of gum disease if it doesn’t go away even after you brush and use mouthwash. The bacteria that cause gum infections release substances that smell bad. If your breath stays unpleasant no matter what you do, it may be time to see your dentist.
Receding Gums
As gum disease gets worse, your gums might start to pull back from your teeth. This can make your teeth look longer and can leave sensitive parts of the tooth exposed. Receding gums can also create small spaces where bacteria hide and cause more serious infection and damage.
Tender or Painful Gums
Your gums might not just look different, they might feel different too. While healthy gums shouldn’t hurt, early gum disease can make them feel tender or sore to the touch. You might notice discomfort when brushing, flossing, or even when eating. This tenderness is another sign that your gums are inflamed and need attention.
Tooth Sensitivity
If your gums recede, the roots of your teeth can become exposed. This may make your teeth feel sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. Sensitivity can happen for many reasons, but it could mean early gum disease if it comes along with other signs like bleeding or bad breath.
Loose or Shifting Teeth
This usually happens later, but some people notice changes earlier. You might feel like a tooth is loose, or that your bite doesn’t feel right when you chew. This is a serious sign that you shouldn’t ignore, and you should see a dentist as soon as you can.
Pus Between Teeth and Gums
If you notice pus between your teeth and gums, it’s a clear sign of infection. This symptom is sometimes accompanied by swelling or pain. It means your body is fighting a more advanced bacterial infection. Pus is a serious warning that needs immediate dental care to prevent further damage.
Why It’s Important to Act Early
When caught at the gingivitis stage, it can usually be reversed with good brushing, flossing, and a professional cleaning. But without treatment, it can turn into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Lasting damage to your gums and bone can be irreversible, and has even been connected to other health concerns like heart disease and diabetes.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs we’ve mentioned, don’t ignore them. Scheduling a visit with Dr. Stein now can help stop gum disease from getting worse and protect your smile and your health. You don’t have to wait until you feel pain to take action. Contact The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry today at 847-750-3125 or request an appointment online.