Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions, yet it often flies under the radar until serious damage has already been done. At BU Dental in Pleasant Hill, we frequently see patients who are surprised to learn they’re showing signs of gum disease—despite brushing regularly and feeling fine.

This is because gum disease can be quiet in its early stages. By the time obvious symptoms appear, the infection may have already advanced to the point of affecting your bone and tissue support.

So, how can you stay one step ahead? The key is knowing the subtle symptoms most people miss.

What Exactly Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissue caused by plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If not removed through daily oral hygiene and routine cleanings, plaque hardens into tartar, which can lead to inflammation and infection.

The disease is progressive, starting as mild gingivitis and advancing into periodontitis, which affects the bone beneath the gums. Severe cases can lead to tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and even health problems beyond your mouth.

Early Warning Signs You Might Not Recognize

Many people associate dental issues with pain, but gum disease often develops painlessly. Here are early signs that are easy to overlook but critical to catch:

• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
• Chronic bad breath or a metallic taste
• Red, swollen, or shiny gums
• Gum recession or teeth appearing longer
• Tooth sensitivity near the gumline
• Minor shifting or loosening of teeth

If you’ve experienced any of these, it’s time to schedule a professional evaluation. Even if you’re not in pain, your gums may be telling you that something isn’t right.

How Gum Health Impacts Your Whole Body

Gum disease doesn’t stay in your mouth. Bacteria from inflamed gums can enter the bloodstream, contributing to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and more.

At BU Dental, we view oral health as a window to overall health. Treating gum disease early is not just about preserving your smile—it’s about protecting your long-term wellness.

Why Gum Disease Is Common—Even in Health-Conscious Patients

You might brush twice a day and even use mouthwash, but there are other factors that increase your risk of developing gum issues:

• Smoking or vaping
• Stress or hormonal fluctuations
• Medications that cause dry mouth
• Poor nutrition
• Family history of periodontal disease
• Clenching or grinding teeth (often linked to TMD symptoms)

Even with regular care, these factors can put pressure on your gums, which is why routine checkups are so critical. We use advanced technology to monitor changes in gum health and offer early interventions.

What Happens If You Don’t Treat It?

Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the infection damages the structures holding your teeth in place. Eventually, you may require tooth extraction or restorative procedures like dental implants or dentures to restore function and appearance.

We’ve treated many Pleasant Hill patients who only realized the extent of their gum issues once they started noticing loose teeth or significant recession. Don’t let it get that far.

Gum Disease Can Affect Every Age Group

While we often associate gum problems with aging, younger individuals—especially teens and young adults—can also experience gingivitis. Orthodontic treatment, poor oral hygiene habits, or skipped dental visits can all contribute.

It’s why we educate our patients of all ages and offer clear aligners for those correcting misaligned teeth, which can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly. Keeping gums healthy during orthodontic care is just as important as achieving a straighter smile.

How BU Dental Can Help

Our Pleasant Hill dental team takes a comprehensive approach to gum care. We start with a full periodontal exam, measure pocket depths, and assess your risk level. If signs of early gum disease are present, we may recommend deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), local antimicrobial treatments, or customized at-home care routines.

If gum disease has progressed to the point of affecting bone or tooth structure, we also provide options like porcelain crowns or implants to restore health and function.

In cases where patients experience pain or swelling, we are ready to act as your local emergency dentist. Gum abscesses and sudden inflammation require quick treatment to prevent long-term damage.

Prevention Is Always Better

The good news is that gum disease is highly preventable. Here’s what we recommend:

• Brush twice a day and floss daily
• Use fluoride toothpaste and antimicrobial rinses
• Get professional cleanings at least twice a year
• Avoid tobacco and eat a balanced diet
• Address dry mouth or grinding habits early

Routine exams allow us to catch problems before they escalate—and our friendly team makes every visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.