Gum disease is often silent, meaning symptoms may not appear until very advanced stages. However, warning signs of gum disease can include the following:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
• Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating food
• Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
• Loose or separating teeth
• Pus between your gums and teeth
• Sores in your mouth
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

There are different types and degrees of severity with gum disease:

Gingivitis — Gingivitis is an initial stage of gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis are bad breath or gums that are swollen, red and may bleed easily. Most people do not experience pain or discomfort with gingivitis and are often unaware that they have it. At this stage, there is no supporting bone loss and the condition is reversible with professional treatment. Good home care, consisting of consistent, effective brushing and cleaning between the teeth, is also necessary for recovery.

Periodontal Disease — Our skilled Dental Hygienists are able to provide exceptional non-surgical periodontal treatment should you be diagnosed with periodontal disease. If you have been diagnosed with advanced periodontal disease, you may be referred to a specialist, called a periodontist.