What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

In this video, Dr. Robert Harvey explains how to spot gum disease, including symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, and more.

If you’re wondering how to tell if you have gum disease, there are several common indicators to watch out for. Here’s what you might notice:

1. Bleeding Gums: One of the most noticeable signs of gum disease is bleeding during brushing or flossing. If you see blood when you brush your teeth, it’s not a normal occurrence. This bleeding is typically caused by the irritation of the gums from bacteria, which leads to inflammation and swelling. Like a sore on your skin, irritated gums will bleed when agitated.

2. Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can also be a sign of gum disease. This is due to the bacteria that cause gum inflammation, which can lead to a breakdown of gum tissue. As the tissue deteriorates, it can emit an unpleasant odor.

3. Sore Gums: If your gums are consistently sore, swollen, or tender, this can be another symptom of gum disease.

4. Receding Gums: Noticing that your gums are receding or pulling away from your teeth is a critical sign of advancing gum disease. This can eventually lead to teeth appearing longer and can severely impact the health of your teeth and gums.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action quickly. Early intervention is key to managing gum disease effectively and can help prevent further complications, including tooth loss. If friends or family comment on your breath, or if you notice any of the symptoms I mentioned, consider it a prompt to visit your dentist. At our practice, we can assess your oral health, determine the presence and extent of gum disease, and offer treatments to help restore your gum health.