What Gum Disease Looks Like, and Why Early Treatment Matters

If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, if they appear red or swollen, or if your breath is persistently bad, you may already have the early stages of gum disease. At North State Dental in Redding, we help patients catch and treat gum disease before it leads to tooth loss or long-term damage. Acting quickly can make all the difference in keeping your gums healthy and your teeth strong.

What Are the Early Signs of Gum Disease?

The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis. This occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and irritates the surrounding gum tissue. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see your dentist:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing

• Persistent bad breath

• Receding gum lines or gums that pull away from the teeth

At this stage, gum disease can usually be reversed with a professional cleaning and improved home care. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a much more serious condition.

What Happens if Gum Disease Isn’t Treated?

When gum disease progresses, it doesn’t just affect your mouth. As bacteria move deeper below the gumline, they create pockets of infection that break down the bone and ligaments holding your teeth in place. This leads to tooth mobility, gum recession, and eventually, tooth loss.

But the risks don’t stop there. Advanced gum disease has also been linked to systemic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes complications, and pregnancy problems. That’s why we take it seriously at North State Dental.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Treatment depends on how advanced the disease is. In its early stages, a thorough dental cleaning and changes to your brushing and flossing habits may be enough. If the disease has progressed, we may recommend scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and bacteria below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to promote healing.

In some cases, laser therapy or referral to a periodontist may be appropriate. The key is to start treatment early. The longer gum disease is left alone, the harder it becomes to reverse the damage.

How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?

The best approach is prevention. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and keep up with your regular cleanings and exams. Avoid smoking, eat a balanced diet, and pay attention to early warning signs like bleeding gums or bad breath.

At North State Dental, we help patients in Redding, Anderson, Shasta Lake, and surrounding areas protect their smiles with personalized care and proactive treatment plans.

FAQ

Can gum disease go away on its own?
No. Gingivitis can be reversed with early treatment, but without dental care, it will likely worsen over time.

Is gum disease painful?
Not always. Many patients feel no pain until the disease becomes advanced, which is why regular dental checkups are so important.

What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage of gum disease. Periodontitis is more advanced and causes permanent damage to the gums and bone.

Can gum disease affect my overall health?
Yes. Studies show links between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other systemic conditions.

What if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?
It’s never too late to get help. We welcome patients of all backgrounds and will work with you to restore your gum health without judgment.