At Cary Family Dental, we believe catching gum issues early makes a massive difference. Review this quick checklist to recognize the symptoms of gum disease before they worsen.
10 Early Warning Signs
If you notice any of these symptoms, your gums might need professional attention.
1. Bleeding When Brushing or Flossing
Healthy gums should never bleed. If you spit blood into the sink after your normal oral hygiene routine, you are likely seeing the first sign of gingivitis.
2. Red or Swollen Gums
Your gums should look firm and pale pink. Gums that appear bright red, puffy, or swollen indicate trapped plaque and active inflammation.
3. Persistent Bad Breath
Everyone wakes up with morning breath. However, if bad breath lingers after you brush and use mouthwash, bacteria hiding below your gum line could be the culprit.
4. Receding Gums
Do your teeth look longer than they used to? Gum tissue pulling away from your teeth creates deep pockets where dangerous bacteria gather and multiply.
5. Increased Tooth Sensitivity
When gums recede, they expose the sensitive roots of your teeth. You might feel a sharp pain when drinking hot coffee or eating ice cream.
6. Pain When Chewing
Gum disease can affect the supportive tissues under your teeth. If biting down causes discomfort or sharp pain, infection may be spreading.
7. Loose or Shifting Teeth
Adult teeth should remain firmly in place. Periodontal disease attacks the underlying bone, causing teeth to loosen or shift position.
8. Changes in Your Bite
If your upper and lower teeth no longer fit together normally when you close your mouth, bone loss and gum disease might be altering your bite.
9. Pus Between Gums and Teeth
Pus is a clear sign of an active infection. If you press on your gums and notice pus around the base of your teeth, seek dental care immediately.
10. New Spaces Between Teeth
If gaps suddenly appear between your teeth, your gum tissue and jawbone might be breaking down due to advanced periodontal disease.
Advanced Gum Disease Treatment in Cary
Ignoring these signs allows gum disease to progress, threatening your smile and your long-term health. Fortunately, you have access to modern, highly effective care.
Dr. Allan Acton and his dedicated team at Cary Family Dental have invested the time and resources to understand gum disease and treat it effectively. Serving Cary, Apex, Durham, and the greater Raleigh area, we offer a cutting-edge gum disease treatment technology called LANAP.
The LANAP laser protocol gently and precisely targets infected tissue without the need for scalpels or stitches. This advanced technology promotes faster healing, minimizes discomfort, and helps regenerate healthy tissue around your teeth.
Do not wait for bleeding or swelling to turn into tooth loss. If you checked any of the boxes on this list, contact Cary Family Dental today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation.
Contact Cary Family Dental:
919-371-4428
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
915 Kildaire Farm Rd
Cary, North Carolina
27511

