Signs of gum disease you shouldn’t ignore

Have you noticed a little pink in the sink when rinsing out your mouth recently? You may assume you simply brushed too hard or need to catch up on flossing, but if your gums bleed often or feel sore and swollen, it may be an early sign of gum disease.

Gum disease is common, and it could be present before you even realize there is a problem. The good news is that early gum disease can often be improved with good oral care and professional cleaning, while more advanced gum disease needs proper dental care to slow it down and protect your teeth.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection or inflammation of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. These tissues include your gums and the bone around your teeth. While it can be mild, it can also become serious if it is not treated.

The mildest form of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis can make your gums red, swollen, tender and more likely to bleed. It is usually reversible with daily brushing and flossing, along with professional dental cleanings.

Periodontitis is more serious. It happens when gum disease reaches the bone and other tissues that support the teeth. Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but dental treatment can slow it down and help protect your teeth.

Gum disease causes and risk factors

Problems often start with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth that is usually removed by brushing and flossing. When plaque stays on the teeth, it can harden into tartar, which is harder to remove and usually needs to be cleaned off by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Risk factors for gum disease include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, certain medications, stress, hormonal changes, genetics and poor nutrition. If you have diabetes, gum disease can be harder to manage, and it may also make blood sugar harder to control.

Early signs of gum disease

Gum disease does not usually cause pain at first. That is one reason regular dental checkups matter. A dentist can often spot gum disease before it becomes more serious.

Signs of gum disease may include red, swollen or tender gums. Your gums may bleed when you brush, floss or eat hard foods. You may also notice that your gums are pulling away from your teeth or that your teeth look longer than they used to.

Other signs include loose or sensitive teeth, painful chewing, bad breath that does not go away, or a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite. If you wear partial dentures, a change in fit can also be a red flag.

Bleeding gums when brushing

Healthy gums should not bleed often. Bleeding occasionally can happen if you brush too hard or start flossing after a long break, but if you bleed almost every time you brush, it’s worth checking out. A dentist or dental hygienist can clean your teeth and show you how to care for your gums at home.

Reversing gingivitis and managing periodontitis

There is some good news here: Gingivitis can often be reversed. The most important steps are brushing twice a day, flossing daily and getting professional dental cleanings. Your dentist may recommend additional changes to your oral care routine based on what they see during your exam.

Meanwhile, periodontitis requires professional intervention. Treatment may include deep cleaning around the teeth and gums, and some people need medicine or surgery. Treatment can slow the disease and help prevent you from losing any teeth.

How to prevent gum disease

There are a few ways to prevent gum disease that you can easily integrate into your oral health routine:

• Brush daily. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily. Flossing helps clean between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach.
• Keep dental visits. Regular checkups can help detect gum disease early.
• Don’t use tobacco or vaping. Smoking, vaping or using chewing tobacco raises the risk of gum disease and makes treatment harder.
• Manage diabetes. Keeping blood sugar in your target range can help protect your mouth and gums.

When to get care for gum disease symptoms

Make a dental appointment if your gums bleed often, feel swollen or tender, or seem to be pulling away from your teeth. You should also call a dentist if you have loose teeth, pain when chewing, ongoing bad breath or a noticeable change in your bite.

Talk with your family physician if gum symptoms happen along with diabetes concerns, medication changes, immune system problems or other signs of infection. Your doctor and dentist can work together to help protect your oral health and overall health.

Frequently asked questions about gum disease

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Seeing blood when rinsing out your mouth may be a sign of simple inflammation or deeper problems. If your gums bleed often when you brush or floss, schedule a dental visit. Your dentist can help determine the best path forward.

What are the early signs of gum disease?

Early signs of gum disease can include red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums. Some people also notice bad breath or gums pulling away from the teeth. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms often, get in touch with your dentist.

Can gum disease be reversed?

Gingivitis can often be reversed with good oral care and professional cleanings. Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but treatment can slow it down and help protect your teeth. Proper care can also help prevent these problems from returning.

When should I see a dentist?

You should see a dentist as soon as possible if gum bleeding, swelling, tenderness, pain, loose teeth or bite changes continue. In the future, you should visit your dentist every six months or even sooner if you have ongoing oral hygiene problems.

Can gum disease cause tooth loss?

Yes, and there’s no Tooth Fairy to give you a reward. Advanced gum disease can damage the bone and tissues that support the teeth. If not properly treated, it can lead to loose teeth or complete tooth loss.