Do I Have Gum Disease? Signs to Look Out For
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you are not alone. Gum disease is common, and it can be surprisingly quiet. Many people notice little more than a bit of bleeding, a bad taste or occasional tenderness, then assume it will pass. The truth is that gum disease can progress without obvious pain — and early action makes a real difference.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease describes inflammation and infection of the gums and the tissues supporting your teeth. It typically starts as gingivitis — plaque bacteria irritate the gum margins and cause reversible inflammation. If not addressed, it can advance to periodontitis, where the supporting bone and fibres around teeth are affected and lead to gum recession, loose teeth and, in severe cases, tooth loss.
Early warning signs
Early gum disease can be easy to miss. Look for bleeding when brushing or flossing, red or puffy gums, persistent bad breath, sensitivity at the gumline and mild recession. These symptoms often come and go — if they repeat, it is a sign your gums need attention rather than a harder brushing technique.
When to seek specialist care
Book an appointment if your gums bleed more than a couple of times in a week, bleeding continues despite two weeks of attentive cleaning, you notice recession or loose teeth, or you have risk factors such as diabetes, pregnancy or smoking.
How we assess and treat gum disease
At Pallant Advanced Dentistry you're assessed by clinicians with specialist periodontal expertise. We combine periodontal charting, digital imaging, and iTero 3D scanning to document your gumline and track changes over time.
Your personalised plan typically includes specialist periodontal therapy above and below the gumline, tailored home-care guidance on brushing and interdental cleaning, hygienist support with AirFlow stain removal when appropriate, and ongoing reviews at agreed intervals. For suitable patients we add Dental Monitoring to support remote progress checks between visits.
Protecting your gums day to day
Small, consistent habits protect your gums more than occasional intense efforts. Brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, angling bristles gently toward the gumline. Clean between teeth daily with interdental brushes or floss. Address lifestyle factors like smoking and diabetes control — both significantly impact gum health — and keep to regular professional reviews to catch issues early.
