Gum disease (periodontal disease) is one of the most common health conditions in adults — and one of the most overlooked, because it often develops without pain. Left untreated, it is a leading cause of tooth loss. The good news: when caught early, it is very treatable. At Pikes Peak Periodontics in Colorado Springs, Dr. Ursula M. Price encourages everyone to know the warning signs.
1. Bleeding Gums
Healthy gums do not bleed during normal brushing or flossing. Blood in the sink is one of the earliest and most common signs of gum inflammation (gingivitis) and should not be dismissed as normal.
2. Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums
Healthy gums are firm and pink. Gums that look red or puffy, or feel sore, are reacting to the bacteria in plaque and may be in the early stages of disease.
3. Receding Gums
If your teeth look longer than they used to, or you can feel a notch near the gum line, your gums may be receding. Gum grafting can restore lost tissue and protect exposed roots.
4. Persistent Bad Breath
Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be caused by bacteria collecting below the gum line — a sign the infection may be advancing.
5. Loose or Shifting Teeth
As gum disease destroys the bone that anchors your teeth, they can begin to loosen or shift, or your bite may start to feel different. This points to more advanced disease that needs prompt attention.
6. Pain or Sensitivity When Chewing
Discomfort when you bite down, or new sensitivity along the gum line, can indicate that the supporting tissues are affected.
7. Pus or a Sore That Won’t Heal
Any sign of infection around the gums, or a sore in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks, should be evaluated by a professional.
What to Do Next
Treatments range from a simple deep cleaning to laser periodontal treatment or pocket reduction surgery for more advanced cases. The right approach depends on how far the disease has progressed — which is exactly why early evaluation matters.
If you recognize any of these signs, do not wait for them to get worse. Call Pikes Peak Periodontics at (719) 548-1711 or request an appointment in Colorado Springs.
