Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: three minutes.
Gum disease often starts with subtle visual changes along the gum line that many people dismiss as minor irritation. These early signs of periodontal disease are visible long before pain develops and usually worsen without treatment.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Visible Signs of Gum Disease?
- Gum Disease vs Normal Gum Irritation
- Periodontal Treatment in San Francisco
- FAQs
What Are the Visible Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum disease usually appears as changes in the color, shape, texture, and position of the gum tissue along the gum line. In its earliest stage, gums may look slightly red or swollen. As periodontal disease progresses, gums can bleed, pull away from the teeth, or show signs of gum infection, with visible plaque buildup, gum recession, and changes in tooth support.
Early Visual Signs of Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and is limited to the gum tissue. At this stage, bone loss has not occurred, and the condition is often reversible with improved oral hygiene and professional dental cleaning.
Common signs include:
- Red or darkened gums instead of a firm pink color
- Swollen or puffy gum margins
- Shiny or smooth-looking gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
These changes often appear first between the teeth or along the gum line, where plaque buildup is harder to remove.
What Moderate Gum Disease Looks Like
When gingivitis progresses, inflammation extends below the gum line and begins to affect deeper periodontal tissues. Gums begin to separate from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria and increase the risk of progression.
Visible changes may include:
- Gum recession or receding gums that make teeth look longer
- Gaps forming between teeth
- Persistent redness and swelling
- Increased plaque or tartar buildup near the gumline
At this stage, damage becomes more difficult to reverse and may begin to involve early bone loss.
Advanced Gum Disease Appearance (Periodontitis)
Advanced gum disease, also known as advanced periodontitis, affects the supporting bone and tissues around the teeth. Visual signs are more pronounced and often accompanied by functional problems.
Signs include:
- Significant gum recession with exposed tooth roots
- Teeth that shift, tilt, or appear loose
- Dark buildup around the base of the teeth
- Pus or discharge along the gumline
These changes indicate ongoing bone loss and require professional periodontal treatment to reduce the risk of tooth loss.
Gum Disease vs Normal Gum Irritation
Temporary gum irritation may occur after aggressive brushing, flossing, or recent dental cleaning. Gum disease differs because the changes persist and gradually worsen.
Key differences:
- Healthy gums return to normal color quickly
- Gum disease causes ongoing redness and swelling
- Bleeding becomes frequent
- Gum recession does not reverse on its own
If visual changes last more than a few days, evaluation is recommended.
Periodontal Treatment in San Francisco
At Post Street Dental in San Francisco, periodontal treatment plans may include deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, targeted therapy for infected areas, and long-term maintenance to control inflammation, manage periodontal disease, and prevent further bone loss.
To book an appointment at our dental office in San Francisco, CA, call (415) 986-4534 or visit us at 490 Post St Suite 520, San Francisco, CA 94102.
FAQs
Look for ongoing redness, swelling, bleeding when brushing, receding gums, bad breath that does not go away, or visible buildup along the gum line. A dental exam is the only way to confirm gum disease and check for bone loss.
Many people live long lives with gum disease when it is properly treated and maintained. Without treatment, the risk of tooth loss and ongoing infection increases over time.
Only in the very early stage. Brushing and flossing can help with mild gingivitis, but once gum disease progresses, professional treatment is needed to clean below the gum line.