Gum disease often starts silently, which is why early awareness is key. Watch out for these early signs of gum disease:
- Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath (one of the common bad breath causes)
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
Catching these signs early makes periodontal disease prevention much easier and more effective.
Gum disease develops in stages:
Gingivitis
This is the earliest stage, caused by poor oral hygiene habits and plaque accumulation. It’s reversible with proper care.
Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease that damages bone and may lead to tooth loss.
The goal of gum disease prevention is to stop the problem at the gingivitis stage – or better yet, prevent it entirely.