What Are The Signs Of Periodontal Disease?

Many of my patients ask me how they can tell if their gums are healthy or if something is wrong. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can start quietly and get worse before you realize it’s happening. The early signs might not seem like a big deal at first. You might notice a little bleeding when you brush or floss. Maybe your gums feel tender once in a while. These symptoms might be easy to ignore, but they could be signs of a serious problem that needs attention.

I’m Dr. Dhaval Patel, and at Simply Teeth in Mount Prospect, I help people every day catch periodontal disease early and stop it from progressing. Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth—it can impact your overall health, too. The sooner you notice the signs and get checked, the better your chances of reversing or managing it.

Common Warning Signs Of Periodontal Disease

One of the first things I look for when checking for gum disease is bleeding. Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing are often inflamed, which means your body is reacting to plaque and bacteria buildup under the gumline. Other signs include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Gums that feel sore or tender to the touch
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Receding gums (where teeth look longer than they used to)
• Teeth that feel loose or shift when you bite
• A change in how your teeth fit together
• Pus between your teeth and gums

If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an exam. Gum disease doesn’t go away on its own. Treatment is required to remove the bacteria causing the inflammation and prevent it from damaging the bone that holds your teeth in place.

The Stages Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease develops in stages. Catching it early gives you the best chance of reversing the damage.

Gingivitis is the mildest form. It causes bleeding, redness, and slight swelling but no permanent bone loss. At this stage, good oral hygiene and a professional cleaning can usually restore your gum health.

Periodontitis is more advanced. The inflammation spreads deeper, and the tissue and bone that support your teeth begin to break down. Once this happens, the damage cannot be fully reversed, but it can be managed with proper treatment.

Advanced Periodontitis is the most severe stage. Bone loss becomes significant, teeth may become loose or fall out, and infections can form. At this point, more intensive procedures like deep cleaning, antibiotics, or surgery may be needed.

Why Periodontal Disease Matters

Gum disease isn’t just about your mouth. Research shows it can be linked to other health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even stroke. That’s why I stress the importance of gum health with all my patients. Keeping your gums healthy helps support your overall health and lowers your risk of long-term problems.

If you notice any of the signs we’ve talked about, it’s time to take it seriously. Early detection is the key to protecting your smile.

Gun Disease Frequently Asked Questions

Can Periodontal Disease Be Reversed?

The early stage of gum disease—gingivitis—can often be reversed with good brushing and flossing habits, plus a professional cleaning. Once the disease progresses into periodontitis, we can’t fully reverse the damage, but we can stop it from getting worse. Treatment at that point focuses on managing the infection and preserving the health of your remaining bone and tissue. At Simply Teeth, I create a personalized plan to help you stabilize your gums and keep your teeth as healthy as possible.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

The main cause of periodontal disease is plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. If not removed with brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which can’t be cleaned off at home. This leads to inflammation and infection under the gums. Other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, genetics, stress, poor nutrition, and certain medications. I always review your full health history to understand the risk factors in your case.

How Is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?

I diagnose gum disease by checking the health of your gums during a dental exam. I use a small instrument called a probe to measure the space between your teeth and gums. Healthy gums usually have pockets between 1 and 3 millimeters deep. Deeper pockets may indicate gum disease. I’ll also look for signs of bleeding, bone loss on dental X-rays, and gum recession. This helps me determine what stage the disease is in and what treatment is needed.

Is Bleeding While Brushing A Sign Of Gum Disease?

Yes, bleeding when you brush or floss is often one of the earliest signs of gum disease. It means

your gums are inflamed, which happens when plaque builds up along the gumline. Some people think bleeding is normal, but it’s not. Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed. If you notice this happening regularly, it’s important to make an appointment so I can take a look and help you stop the problem before it gets worse.

What Treatments Are Available For Gum Disease?

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. For early gingivitis, a professional cleaning and better brushing and flossing habits can often fix the problem. For more advanced stages, I may recommend scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning that removes plaque from below the gumline), antibiotic treatments, or laser therapy. In very severe cases, surgery might be needed to restore lost gum and bone support. My goal is always to treat the disease in the least invasive way possible, while protecting your long-term health.

Call Simply Teeth Today To Schedule A Gum Health Evaluation

If you’ve noticed signs of gum disease like bleeding, swelling, or gum recession, don’t wait to get it checked. At Simply Teeth in Mount Prospect, I take your oral health seriously and offer treatments designed to stop gum disease before it becomes a bigger issue.

Call our Mount Prospect dental clinic by calling 847-870-1111 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dhaval Patel. We proudly serve Mount Prospect, as well as Prospect Heights and Des Plaines, Illinois. Let’s take care of your gums so they can continue to support your healthy smile for years to come.