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Common Signs of Gum Disease Falls Church Patients Shouldn't Ignore

Local guide for patients of Kaden Dental in Falls Church, VA.

Related service: General dentistry

Gum disease progresses quietly for most people , there's rarely a dramatic moment where it becomes obvious. Here's what to actually watch for.

Bleeding when you brush or floss

This is usually the earliest sign, and it's the one most people dismiss as normal. Healthy gums generally don't bleed from routine brushing , consistent bleeding is an early symptom of gingivitis, the reversible stage before it can progress to periodontitis, the more serious, less reversible form.

Gums that look red or puffy

Healthy gum tissue is generally a pale pink and fits snugly around the teeth. Redness, swelling, or a shiny appearance are signs of inflammation worth mentioning at your next visit, even if nothing hurts.

Persistent bad breath

Occasional bad breath after garlic or coffee is normal. Bad breath that persists despite normal brushing habits can be a sign of bacterial buildup below the gumline that a regular toothbrush can't reach.

Gums that seem to be pulling back

If teeth start looking slightly longer than they used to, or you notice more of the tooth root showing, that's gum recession , often gradual enough that it's easy to miss until someone else points it out or you compare old photos.

Loose or shifting teeth

This is a later-stage sign and worth addressing quickly , it typically means the bone and tissue supporting the tooth have already been affected.

Kaden Dental in Falls Church checks for these signs at every routine cleaning. If you've noticed any of them between visits, it's worth calling sooner rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment.