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Gum disease can be easy to miss in its early stages—but left untreated, it can quietly damage your smile and overall health. At Spring Dental in Round Rock, we believe prevention is powerful, and early detection is key. Let’s walk through the most common signs of gum disease so you know exactly what to look out for and when to seek help.
1. Bleeding Gums When Brushing or Flossing
If your gums bleed while brushing or flossing, it’s more than just a nuisance. This early sign of gingivitis indicates that plaque has begun to irritate your gum tissue. Healthy gums don’t bleed easily. If yours do, it’s your mouth’s way of asking for help. With proper care and a professional cleaning, gingivitis can often be reversed—so don’t delay.
2. Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums
Healthy gums are firm, pale pink, and snug around your teeth. If your gums appear swollen, feel sore, or look redder than usual, it could be an early sign of inflammation. This happens when bacteria along the gum line trigger your body’s natural immune response. Left unchecked, this can lead to more serious infection.
3. Receding Gums
Have your teeth started to look longer than they used to? Gum recession exposes more of the tooth and sometimes even the root. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and increase your risk of decay. Gum recession is often associated with periodontal disease, but it can also result from aggressive brushing or teeth grinding.
At Spring Dental, we can help you identify what’s causing the issue and recommend treatment to protect your smile.
4. Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away
Everyone has bad breath now and then, but if yours is persistent—even after brushing, flossing, and rinsing—it may be due to harmful bacteria beneath the gums. This bacteria releases toxins and odors as it breaks down food and tissue. Chronic halitosis is often a sign of gum infection and shouldn’t be ignored.
5. Increased Tooth Sensitivity
Do your teeth twinge when you sip something hot or cold? Tooth sensitivity is another common symptom of gum disease. As the gums recede and the tooth root becomes exposed, it becomes more vulnerable to changes in temperature and acidity. If sensitivity becomes consistent or more intense, it’s time for a dental evaluation.
6. Loose or Shifting Teeth
Adult teeth shouldn’t feel wiggly. As gum disease progresses, it can destroy the bone and tissue that keep your teeth in place. This may cause teeth to loosen, shift, or develop gaps that weren’t there before. If your bite feels different or your teeth aren’t fitting together like they used to, it could be a sign of advanced periodontal disease.
7. Changes in the Way Your Teeth Fit Together
Along with loose teeth, you may notice changes in how your teeth align when you bite down. A shifting bite can lead to jaw discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even headaches. These issues may develop subtly over time, but they’re often linked to the breakdown of bone around the teeth caused by gum disease.
8. Pus Between Teeth and Gums
Visible pus or discharge near the gum line is a sign that infection is present. This indicates your body is fighting off harmful bacteria and inflammation—and it’s a red flag for advanced periodontal disease. Pus around the gums is not normal and requires immediate dental attention to prevent further damage to your teeth and jawbone.
9. Deep Pockets Around the Teeth
During routine dental exams, your dentist or hygienist may use a small probe to measure the space between your teeth and gums. Healthy pockets are shallow (1–3 mm), but gum disease can cause them to deepen as the supporting tissue is lost. Pockets deeper than 4 mm allow more bacteria to accumulate and are a strong sign of periodontitis.
10. Pain or Discomfort When Chewing
Pain while eating isn’t just inconvenient—it’s often a sign that something deeper is going on. Gum disease can lead to inflammation, infection, and bone loss, all of which can make chewing painful or difficult. If you’re regularly experiencing discomfort while eating, it’s time to let your dental team know.
Why Early Detection Matters
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults—but it doesn’t have to be. When caught early, gingivitis is treatable and reversible. Even more advanced forms of periodontal disease can often be managed effectively with timely intervention and personalized care.
At Spring Dental, our experienced team offers gentle, comprehensive periodontal care in a welcoming environment. We use modern diagnostic tools, thorough cleanings, and customized treatment plans to help restore and maintain your gum health.
Whether you’re experiencing one symptom or several, don’t wait. The sooner we intervene, the better chance we have at protecting your smile for the long run.
Take the Next Step Toward Healthier Gums
If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gum lines, or tooth sensitivity, now is the time to act. Schedule a visit with Spring Dental in Round Rock for a thorough periodontal evaluation. Our compassionate team is here to help you get your gum health back on track and keep your smile strong for years to come.
