10 early signs of gum disease you’re probably ignoring

Periodontitis (better known as gum disease) is what happens when gingivitis (better known as inflamed gums) is untreated. That’s why it’s important to recognise the early signs of gum disease. Dentists urge people to look out for the following symptoms.

Inflammation in the form of red, puffy, or tender gums (gingivitis) could be a sign of periodontal disease or gum disease. “Inflammation or discomfort is caused by bacteria that accumulate around the teeth and proliferates when it is not mechanically removed by flossing, brushing, and your six-month dental cleaning appointment,” says prosthodontist, Dr Mazen Natour. It’s important to treat it so it doesn’t advance to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that causes gums to recede from teeth and form pockets that can become infected.

If you spit out blood after brushing and swishing, take note. “Bleeding after tooth brushing is a big sign and can signal gingivitis,” says Dr Lance Vernon. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that causes bleeding gums, especially after brushing or eating. Luckily, it’s usually reversed with daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular cleanings by a dentist.

Find out what dentists always do to prevent tooth decay here.

Loose teeth that move slightly when lightly pushed against by your tongue or finger is another sign the disease may be progressing, says Dr Vernon.

Smile big and take a look in the mirror: if you notice spaces between teeth that look like little black triangles, that’s a sign that gums are receding, says Dr Natour.

Don’t miss these tips for healthy white teeth.

“The combination of routine dental visits [ideally every six months] and daily brushing and flossing can prevent plaque build-up, which contributes to gum disease,” says Dr Natour. Plaque is the sticky film that forms on teeth – if not adequately removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can turn into tartar, which may harbour bacteria that leads to gum disease.

Untreated gum disease can lead to more serious symptoms such as bone loss, says Dr Natour. “This early onset inflammation will progress, and if left unchecked and fed by the various sources of sugars from our diet, will evolve into a more aggressive bacteria,” he says.

While tooth sensitivity could mean you’re simply brushing too hard, it’s also a symptom of gum disease. “Receding gums expose the root of the tooth to the oral cavity, which will start making teeth more sensitive to hot and cold food or beverages,” says Dr Natour.

If you’ve never had chronic bad breath but notice it suddenly seems to constantly be a little less than fresh, it could be a sign of gum disease. Dr Vernon says to watch out for a scent similar to alcohol or rotting apples, which is caused by bacteria migrating below the gum tissue, an area difficult for toothbrushes and floss to reach.

Here’s how to say goodbye to bad breath for good.

While not technically a symptom of the disease, grinding or clenching your teeth is a risk factor for gum disease. These actions place excessive force on the supporting tissues of the teeth, speeding up the rate at which they’re destroyed.

In case you need one more reason to ditch the cigarettes, chew on this: research has found that smokers have twice the risk of gum disease in comparison to non-smokers. Plus, tobacco products damage teeth and gums, providing an open door for infection-causing bacteria that can cause gum disease.

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Source: RD.com