When it comes to oral health, most people focus on brushing their teeth and keeping cavities at bay. But your gums? They’re often overlooked — until they start to show signs of trouble. One of the biggest issues to watch for is periodontitis, a progressive form of gum disease that can lead to serious dental complications if left untreated.
Whether you’re already experiencing symptoms or simply want to stay ahead of potential problems, understanding the signs of periodontitis is the first step to protecting your smile.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the tissues and bones supporting your teeth. It usually starts with gingivitis, the mildest form, where gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, which damages the structures holding your teeth in place.
Over time, this can result in tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and even systemic health problems.
Why Should You Care?
According to the Canadian Dental Association, nearly 7 out of 10 Canadians will develop some form of gum disease during their lifetime. That’s not just a statistic — it’s a wake-up call. Gum disease often progresses silently until significant damage is done.
Being aware of the signs and causes of gum disease can help you catch it early and reverse it before it leads to long-term issues.
The Most Common Signs of Periodontitis
1. Bleeding Gums
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, don’t shrug it off. Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed, it’s one of the most common signs of gum disease. It usually points to inflammation and should be taken seriously, especially if it’s a recurring issue.
2. Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums
Gums that are visibly redder than normal, feel puffy, or are painful to the touch are also signs of periodontal disease. This inflammation results from the body’s response to bacterial buildup along the gumline.
3. Chronic Bad Breath
Also known as halitosis, persistent bad breath isn’t always about what you ate for lunch. In many cases, it’s a red flag pointing to bacteria and plaque hiding deep beneath the gum line, which is a clear symptom of gum disease.
4. Gum Recession
Ever feel like your teeth are getting longer? That could be due to gum recession, one of the hallmark signs of periodontitis. As the gum tissue pulls back, it exposes more of the tooth surface and root, leading to sensitivity and potential decay.
5. Loose or Shifting Teeth
Once the infection reaches the bones and ligaments supporting your teeth, you may start to notice slight movement or even discomfort when chewing. These are late-stage symptoms of periodontitis and warrant immediate dental intervention.
6. Pain While Chewing
Unusual pain when biting down or chewing isn’t just annoying, it may indicate that your teeth are being affected by underlying periodontal disease.
Other Subtle (But Important) Signs
While symptoms like bleeding or swollen gums often catch people’s attention first, there are less obvious signs of gum disease that are just as important to watch for — especially when it comes to catching periodontitis in its more advanced stages.
Here’s what else to keep an eye out for:
Pus Between the Teeth and Gums
A clear sign of infection. Pus may come with swelling, pain, or a foul taste — all symptoms of active gum disease.
Changes in Your Bite
If your teeth suddenly feel misaligned when you bite, it could mean bone loss is shifting your tooth positions.
Loose or Poorly Fitting Dental Work
Dentures or bridges that no longer fit properly may be caused by receding gums or bone loss beneath the surface.
Tooth Sensitivity at the Gum Line
Sensitive teeth, especially near the roots, could mean gum recession has exposed vulnerable areas.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
The primary culprit? Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When not removed by regular brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar — which only a dental professional can remove.
Other contributing factors include:
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Diabetes and other chronic illnesses
- Hormonal changes (like during pregnancy)
- Certain medications that reduce saliva
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Genetic predisposition
Understanding the signs and causes of periodontitis can help you take proactive steps to avoid it altogether.
Prevention Starts at Home (But Shouldn’t End There)
The good news? Periodontal disease is largely preventable. Maintaining a strong daily oral hygiene routine is your best defense. Here’s how to protect your gums:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Use antibacterial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist
- Avoid smoking and tobacco
- Eat a balanced, low-sugar diet
- Visit your dentist for routine cleanings and exams
Regular dental visits are particularly important because your dentist can spot the early signs of gum disease long before you feel them.
What To Do If You Notice Symptoms
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait. Early intervention is key to preventing permanent damage.
Our periodontics team at Pretoria Bridge Dental provides comprehensive care from deep cleanings and scaling to gum grafting and bone restoration procedures. Even if your gums seem only mildly irritated, a quick visit could help you avoid more serious issues down the road.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Your gums play a critical role in your oral and overall health. Whether it’s mild bleeding or more advanced discomfort, catching the signs of periodontal disease early can save you from major complications — and even tooth loss.
If you think you might be experiencing symptoms of periodontitis, our friendly and experienced team is here to help. Our approach combines advanced periodontal care with personalized treatment plans to keep your mouth healthy and your smile confident.
Ready for Healthier Gums?
Book a consultation with PB Dental today and take the first step toward understanding and treating any signs of gum disease. We’re here to help you stay ahead of dental issues before they become painful (or costly) problems.
