Gum disease (periodontitis) occurs when teeth are under cleaned or cleaned improperly and plaque is allowed to build up along the gum line. Besides affecting the health of the teeth and gums, according to the Mayo Clinic, if allowed to advance gum disease may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to give birth to premature babies than are women with healthy teeth and gums.
Warning Signs
Often the only early warning signs of gum disease are swollen or red gums, bleeding or tender gums when you brush your teeth or floss, or bad breath that doesn't go away after brushing your teeth or after using mouthwash. Keep in mind that gum disease can progress undetected due to lack of symptoms. At this point, if regular cleanings are done by a dentist the disease may be stopped without further damage to the gums and roots.
Early Stages
During the early stages of gum disease, there may be pain when food is chewed or teeth may become overly sensitive (especially to cold). Warning signs may progress, with gums becoming noticeably tender all of the time instead of just when brushing. At this stage of the disease a deep-root periodontal cleaning may save the teeth and gums from further damage, although damage already incurred may be noticeable.
Advanced Stages
In the advanced stages, gums will recede from the teeth, often to the point where the upper portion of the root becomes visible. Teeth may become noticeably loose and may come out while ingesting a chewy substance. Beneath the visible surfaces, infection has most likely started in the root areas of the teeth and it may be a possibility that the teeth must be pulled to stop the advancement of the gum disease.
