What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?

Some are minor and may not raise a red flag, while others are concerning and indicate an obvious problem. At the first signs of gum disease, your dentist and dental hygienist will give you instructions for stopping it in its tracks, provided you know there is a problem. Watch for these early signs of gum disease and contact your dental care provider right away if they appear.

The first stage of gum disease, also called gingivitis, is reversible and occurs when plaque buildup allows bacteria to infect your gums. You might notice a slight irritation along your gumline, along with bleeding when you brush and floss. Many people write these symptoms off as a sensitive mouth or brushing too harshly, without realizing that they might be heading toward a more serious oral health problem.

While proper brushing and flossing go a long way toward keeping gum disease at bay, regular dental visits are important for removing harmful plaque and preventing gingivitis. In general, brush your upper and lower teeth gently at a 45 degree angle toward the gumline using short back and forth strokes against the teeth and gumline. Use the tip of the brush to reach behind each front tooth, on the top and bottom. Do this each morning and each night. Additionally, floss once a day to remove debris stuck between your teeth. Rinse your mouth well to get rid of food particles and bacteria. See your dentist once or twice a year for a professional cleaning.

What are the signs of gum disease? They might sneak up on you, but if you see any changes in your mouth, make a call to your dentist. A check-up can give you peace of mind and allow your dentist to watch the status of early gum disease.