What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) usually develops slowly, starting with mild gum inflammation and progressing to deeper infection if not treated. Knowing what to look for can help you protect your gums and teeth.

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🩺 What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

🌿 1. Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums

• Healthy gums should be firm and pink.

• If your gums look red, puffy, or irritated, it’s a sign of inflammation — the first stage of gum disease (gingivitis).

• They may also feel sore or sensitive when you brush or eat.

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🩸 2. Bleeding Gums

• Gums that bleed easily during brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods are a common warning sign.

• Occasional bleeding can happen, but frequent bleeding is not normal — it means your gums are reacting to plaque buildup.

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💨 3. Persistent Bad Breath or Bad Taste

• Ongoing bad breath (halitosis) or a metallic taste in your mouth may indicate bacterial infection below the gumline.

• These bacteria release toxins that produce unpleasant odors.

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🦷 4. Receding Gums

• As gum disease progresses, gums begin to pull away from the teeth, making teeth look longer.

• This exposes the roots, causing sensitivity to hot or cold and increasing the risk of decay.

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⚖️ 5. Loose or Shifting Teeth

• When the supporting bone and tissue around teeth weaken, teeth may feel loose, wobbly, or start moving.

• You might notice changes in your bite or that your dentures no longer fit properly.

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⚠️ 6. Gum Pockets or Pus

• In advanced stages (periodontitis), deep pockets form between the gums and teeth, trapping food and bacteria.

• You may see pus or discharge along the gumline — a definite sign of infection.

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😣 7. Pain or Discomfort When Chewing

• As the gums and bone weaken, chewing can become painful or uncomfortable.

• This may indicate damage to the supporting structures of your teeth.

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🕒 Stages of Gum Disease

1. Gingivitis (Early Stage)

   • Gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily.

   • Usually reversible with proper brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning.

2. Periodontitis (Advanced Stage)

   • Infection spreads below the gumline.

   • Bone loss and tooth loosening can occur if untreated.

   • Requires professional dental treatment.

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💡 When to See a Dentist

Contact your dentist right away if you notice:

• Persistent bleeding gums

• Bad breath that doesn’t go away

• Receding gums or loose teeth

• Pain or swelling around the gums

Early diagnosis and treatment can stop gum disease before it causes permanent damage.

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🌼 In Summary

Common Symptoms of Gum Disease:

🩸 Bleeding gums
🌿 Red or swollen gums
💨 Bad breath or bad taste
🦷 Receding gums or loose teeth
⚠️ Pain when chewing
⚖️ Gum pockets or pus

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❤️ Remember:

Gum disease doesn’t always hurt at first — but it’s a silent threat that can lead to tooth loss and other health issues if ignored.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, you can catch it early and keep your smile healthy for life!

Gum disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Although the symptoms of periodontal disease often are subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs. Certain symptoms may point to some form of the disease. The symptoms of gum disease include:

* Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
* Red, swollen, or tender gums
* Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
* Receding gums
* Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
* Loose or shifting teeth
* Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures.

Even if you don't notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. In some people, gum disease may affect only certain teeth, such as the molars. Only a dentist or a periodontist can recognize and determine the progression of gum disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease? Video