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Most people do not know they have gum disease, until their dentist brings it to their attention. One of the reasons it comes as a surprise is that gum disease is a silent disease, with few obvious symptoms in its early stages.

One of the first warning signs is when the rim of the gum next to your teeth becomes red and swollen, and bleeds easily when touched. Most often, there is no discomfort at this stage, yet the disease has gained a foothold and is now known as "gingivitis."

Gingivitis is reversible with improved oral home care and a professional cleaning. However, if left untreated, the danger exists that it will progress into an irreversible gum disease that damages the gums and bone surrounding the teeth.

Gum disease is a more advanced disease than gingivitis. Gum disease destroys jawbone and tissues supporting the teeth. Yet still, an individual may be unaware of the problem existing in their mouth.

The signs are subtle at first, and often only your dentist or hygienist can detect it.

These professionals are trained to look for:

1. Pockets

Pockets occur when the collar of gum becomes infected, and separates from the tooth creating a space. This space is a "pocket." A pocket is not necessarily formed when food gets stuck between teeth.

2. Bleeding

In spite of its common occurrence, gums are not supposed to bleed any more than fingers, ears, or noses do on their own. If any of those starts bleeding, everyone knows to stop the bleeding, and look into it if it recurs. However, when gums continue to bleed, many simply ignore it, as if it were “normal”. Bleeding gums are not normal. When gums bleed, at the very least, a minor, reversible problem exists. Sometimes the bleeding is a sign that there are deeper problems, and without some kind of treatment, pockets and bone loss will continue to occur.

3. Bone loss

Dental x-rays, taken at regular intervals, chronicle the bone levels surrounding the teeth. Subtle changes in the bone levels are definite markers that periodontal breakdown is occurring. If ignored, bone loss will progress and compromise teeth. Fact: 70% of all teeth removed from adults are due to bone loss from gum disease…not decay.

4. Loose teeth

Dentist or hygienist, not the person, is often the first to notice early signs of loose teeth. Something is wrong if your teeth are loose. Investigate the cause and seek treatment.

5. Spaces

Spaces are forming between front teeth: In general, teeth do not shift their position, though crowding of the lower (mandibular) front incisors does occur as we age. However, when spaces appear between some of the upper (maxillary) front teeth, it is time to figure out why. The most common reason for front teeth to flare out is advanced bone loss and lack of tooth support due to progressive gum disease.

6. Halitosis

Bad breath may be a sign that significant periodontal problems exist in someone’s mouth. Once the periodontal problems are under control, bad breath often goes away.

7. Abscess

Occasionally, the first time a person knows they have a gum problem is when they get a periodontal abscess. An abscess occurs when bacteria are trapped in a gum pocket. They have no way of escaping and the pocket expands, forming an abscess. If treated in time, little damage occurs to the surrounding bone and tooth. Not treating an abscess in time, can lead to rapid and severe bone loss. When this happens, you require additional periodontal treatment.

It is important to note you may have gum disease and not experience any of these symptoms. Gum disease is silent and chronic, rarely giving an advanced warning that tissue destruction is taking place. That is why it is important to have regular dental checkups.

Gum disease is usually a slow, painless, progressive disease. Most adults with gum disease are unaware they have it. If diagnosed and treated early, however, the teeth can be saved.

How is periodontitis diagnosed?

During an examination, the dentist or hygienist inspects the colour and firmness of the gums. They test teeth for looseness. The bite is checked. At some point, they insert a small measuring instrument (actually it is a millimetre ruler) between the tooth and gum to measure the depth of the pockets. If the depths are greater than the norm of 1-3 millimetres, they may suggest improved oral hygiene measures and/or more deliberate therapy.

This "periodontal" examination is essential at frequent intervals for all adults, especially when there is a history of periodontitis in the immediate family (like a parent needing dentures by age forty) and/or if they smoke.

X-ray photos should be taken at appropriate times to evaluate changes in the bone supporting the teeth. X-ray photos also reveal dental decay and can be useful in detecting a variety of abnormalities.

Contact us today to request additional information or to make an appointment with our gum treatment specialist (periodontist).

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Page summary

Share a Smile specialist dental centre is based in Romford, Essex and offers high quality dentistry in a friendly caring environment to both the general public and patients referred by their dentists. Our dental specialists are experienced dentists who have undergone up to four years of additional post-graduate education to become experts in specific areas of dentistry including gum disease (periodontitis) which is a serious infection affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth and the provision of cosmetic gum surgery..