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Prevention

Gum disease: the early signs people ignore

Bleeding gums are not normal. They are usually the first and most treatable warning.

By Dr Elena Marchetti · 22 January 2026 · 5 min read

Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and its early stage is both common and reversible.

Bleeding when brushing or flossing is the signal most often dismissed. Healthy gums do not bleed under normal cleaning.

Persistent bad breath, gums that look puffy or have receded, and teeth that feel slightly mobile are later indicators and warrant a full periodontal assessment.

Assessment is straightforward: charting of pocket depths around each tooth, plus radiographs to check bone levels. It produces measurable numbers, which means progress can be tracked objectively.

Most cases respond well to non-surgical treatment combined with genuinely effective home cleaning. The determining factor is usually how early the condition is identified.

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