Gum Disease Symptoms Most People Ignore Until It’s Too Late

Periodontal disease (gum disease) affects nearly half of adults in the United States. What’s more, it's contagious. The bacteria that cause gum disease can be transferred from person to person through saliva, from things like sharing utensils or kissing. 

Similar to issues like high blood pressure, gum disease often strikes silently, leaving many people unaware of the threat lurking in their gums. By the time patients visit us at TLN Family Dental with obvious discomfort, the infection has often moved past the early stage. 

The good news is that gum disease is preventable, and the earliest symptoms are easy to spot once you know what to look for. Here are the signs most people brush off until the damage has already taken hold. 

1. Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing

Bleeding gums are so common that many people mistakenly think it’s normal. It may surprise you to know that in typical circumstances, healthy gums don’t bleed. If your toothbrush comes out pink or flossing leaves your gums tender, that’s usually the first sign of inflammation. 

Early gum disease, known as gingivitis, often shows up this way. At this stage, treatment is simple. Regular cleanings, better brushing habits, and consistent flossing can reverse it. When ignored, the inflammation starts to destroy the bone that supports your teeth.

2. Persistent bad breath

A quick mint may cover it for the moment, but ongoing bad breath is not a simple hygiene issue. It often comes from bacteria trapped under the gumline. As gum disease progresses, these bacteria multiply and create odors that brushing alone cannot fix. 

If someone close to you has commented on your breath, or you notice a sour taste in your mouth throughout the day, it’s time to schedule a check-up with our team.

3. Dark, puffy gums

Healthy gums are firm and pink. When they start to look red, swollen, or shiny, they’re reacting to infection. Many patients assume this is irritation from brushing too hard. Inflammation from plaque and bacteria is far more likely to be the culprit. Puffy gums rarely improve on their own — and usually get worse without professional care.

4. Tooth sensitivity that keeps increasing

As gum disease advances, gums begin to pull back from the teeth. This exposes areas that were once protected, making your teeth react to cold drinks, hot foods, and even a blast of air. Receding gums are a clear sign of deeper tissue damage and should never be ignored.

5. Teeth that feel slightly loose

Even a small shift in how your teeth fit together is a sign that gum disease has reached an advanced stage. The bone around your teeth starts to weaken, and without treatment, the risk of tooth loss increases. Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. 

Gum disease threatens your overall health, too

Your smile isn’t the only thing gum disease puts at risk. The bacteria that cause ongoing inflammation in the gums can influence your overall health in ways you might not expect. Research shows a clear connection between periodontal disease and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. 

In fact, a 21-year study published in October of 2025 found gum disease and cavities to be an independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The researchers concluded improving oral health through regular dental care may help protect the cardiovascular system. 

Protect your smile before problems escalate

Gum disease is far easier to treat when caught early. At TLN Family Dental, we check for these warning signs at every visit. If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, bad breath, swelling, sensitivity, or any changes in how your teeth fit together, stop in for a check-up and our team will complete a thorough exam to assess your gum health.

If we find signs of gum disease, no matter the stage, our team offers effective periodontal solutions to restore your smile and keep your gums healthy for the long-term. 

Healthy gums support a healthy smile. Schedule an appointment at TLN Family Dental in Houston or Pearland, Texas, today — and keep your natural bright smile for years to come.