Gum disease is one of the most common — and most preventable — dental issues out there. The tricky part is that early stages often come with few obvious symptoms, which is exactly why regular checkups matter.
Early signs to watch for
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Redness or puffiness along the gumline
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that feel tender to the touch
How it progresses
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, involves inflammation without any bone loss — and it's fully reversible with a professional cleaning and better home care. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the infection begins affecting the bone and tissue that support your teeth. At that stage, damage is no longer fully reversible, though it can be managed and stabilized with treatment.
Why early treatment matters so much
The difference between catching gingivitis and letting it progress to periodontitis is significant — one is a routine cleaning, the other is a longer-term treatment relationship to protect the bone structure you still have.
If your gums bleed regularly when you brush, that's not normal, and it's not something to just get used to. It's worth mentioning at your next visit, even if nothing else feels wrong.