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Signs of gum disease: what to watch for

Gum disease often develops without pain. Knowing the early signs means catching it when it’s easiest to treat.

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Most PPO plans cover gum disease treatment
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Seattle, WA

What gum disease looks and feels like

This is the most common early sign. Healthy gums don’t bleed. If yours do, it means they’re inflamed, typically because bacteria has built up at or below the gumline.

Healthy gum tissue is firm and pink. Inflammation changes both the color and texture.

Bacteria below the gumline produce odor that doesn’t resolve with brushing. If bad breath keeps returning despite good home care, gum health is worth evaluating.

• Early signs (gingivitis)
• Bleeding when you brush or floss
• Gums that look red, swollen, or puffy
• Persistent bad breath
• Signs of more advanced disease (periodontitis)

Gums pulling away from the teeth

Recession exposes more of the tooth root. Once gum tissue pulls back, it doesn’t grow back, though the disease can still be stopped.

Teeth that feel loose or have shifted

Bone loss affects the support structure. Looseness is a later-stage sign.

Pockets forming between teeth and gums

These are measured at your dental exam. Pockets deeper than 3mm indicate the disease has moved below the gumline.

Pus between teeth and gums

A sign of active infection.

Increased sensitivity to hot and cold

Receding gums expose root surfaces, which are more sensitive than enamel.

A change in your bite

If teeth that once fit together feel different, bone loss may have caused shifting.

Bleeding when you brush is not normal

The most common reason patients delay seeking care is the belief that some bleeding is just part of brushing. It’s not. Healthy gums don’t bleed.

Bleeding gums mean the tissue is inflamed. Inflammation is the body’s response to bacteria that have settled at or below the gumline. The bleeding itself is a signal, and the earlier it’s addressed, the simpler the treatment: gingivitis is still reversible before it progresses to periodontitis.

What causes gum disease

The direct cause is bacterial plaque, the sticky film that forms on teeth between cleanings. When plaque isn’t fully removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which forms at and below the gumline. Tartar can only be removed with professional instruments. The bacteria in tartar trigger the inflammation that becomes gum disease.

Several factors affect how quickly the disease develops or how severe it becomes:

Genetics. Some people are significantly more prone to gum disease regardless of home care habits.

Smoking and tobacco use. Smoking is one of the strongest risk factors for gum disease and makes treatment less effective.

Diabetes. Poorly controlled blood sugar increases inflammation throughout the body, including the gums.

Dry mouth. Saliva helps control bacteria. Medications that reduce saliva flow increase gum disease risk.

Hormonal changes. Pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can all increase gum sensitivity and susceptibility.

When to book an evaluation

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, book an exam rather than waiting to see if they resolve. Gum disease doesn’t improve on its own. The bacteria need to be removed professionally for the inflammation to calm down.

If you haven’t had a dental exam in more than a year, it’s also worth scheduling one regardless of symptoms. Gum disease is often painless until it’s progressed significantly, and an exam is the only reliable way to assess pocket depths and bone levels.

Our office is in Seattle, open Monday through Thursday, with straightforward scheduling by phone or online.

Noticed any of these signs? Book an evaluation.

(206) 225-2882

^FAQ

Common questions

Are bleeding gums always a sign of gum disease?

Bleeding gums are almost always a sign of inflammation, which is the first stage of gum disease. Occasionally bleeding can be caused by brushing too hard or starting to floss after a long break, but if it persists beyond a week or two, it’s worth having your gum health evaluated. Healthy gums that are cared for consistently don’t bleed.

Can gum disease be reversed?

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is fully reversible with professional treatment and consistent home care. Once the disease progresses to periodontitis, meaning the infection has caused bone loss, the damage can’t be undone. The disease can still be controlled and stopped from progressing further.

Does gum disease hurt?

Often, no. This is one of the reasons it goes undetected. Early gum disease typically causes no pain, which is why regular exams are the most reliable detection method. By the time it becomes painful, it’s usually progressed to a more advanced stage.

Can gum recession be fixed?

The gum tissue itself doesn’t grow back naturally once it recedes. In some cases, gum grafting procedures can restore tissue. As a general dentistry practice, we’ll refer you to a trusted periodontal specialist for grafting when it’s needed. Either way, the first step is stopping the disease that caused the recession.

How is gum disease diagnosed?

At a dental exam, your hygienist or dentist uses a small probe to measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth. Healthy pockets measure 1–3mm. Pockets of 4mm or more indicate gum disease. X-rays also show bone levels, which help assess how far the disease has progressed.