The Early Signs of Gum Disease Most Albuquerque Patients Miss (And Why Catching It Early Matters)

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems in the U.S.—yet most Albuquerque patients don’t realize they have it until it becomes advanced. Early gum disease is silent, painless, and easy to ignore. But if left untreated, it can lead to bone loss, gum recession, loose teeth, chronic bad breath, and even tooth loss.

The good news: when caught early, gum disease is 100% treatable and fully reversible. This guide explains the early warning signs most people miss, what causes gum disease, how dentists diagnose it, and how to stop it before it becomes a serious problem.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth. It develops in two main stages:

Gingivitis (Early Stage – Reversible)

Symptoms are mild. No bone loss yet.

Periodontitis (Advanced Stage – Not Reversible)

Bone loss has begun. Requires deeper cleanings and ongoing maintenance.

Early detection is the key—and most patients don’t realize when symptoms start.

Learn more about routine and deep cleanings here:
https://osunadentalcare.com/routine--deep-cleaning

Early Sign #1: Bleeding Gums

Healthy gums never bleed, even when brushing or flossing vigorously.

If you notice bleeding when:

• Brushing

• Flossing

• Eating

• Using a water flosser

…it is almost always gingivitis or early gum disease.

Many people think bleeding gums means they “brushed too hard,” but this is rarely the cause.

Early Sign #2: Persistent Bad Breath

Chronic bad breath (halitosis) is one of the earliest indicators of gum infection.
Even with good brushing and mouthwash, odor-causing bacteria can hide deep under the gumline.

If bad breath doesn’t go away, gum disease may be the source.

Early Sign #3: Red or Puffy Gums

Healthy gums are:

• Pink

• Firm

• Tight around the teeth

Early gum disease causes gums to become:

• Red

• Swollen

• Tender

• Spongy or shiny

This inflammation is often subtle at first.

Early Sign #4: Gum Sensitivity or Soreness

Even mild tenderness along the gumline can signal early gum irritation.
Many patients mistake this for normal sensitivity—but it is often the first sign of infection.

Early Sign #5: Receding Gums

You may notice:

• Teeth looking longer

• Spaces forming between teeth

• Sensitivity near the roots

Recession happens gradually but is often permanent if not treated early.

Early Sign #6: Food Getting Stuck More Often

If food suddenly begins packing:

• Between teeth

• Behind molars

• Near the gumline

…it often means gum pockets are forming.

Deeper pockets trap food and bacteria, accelerating bone loss.

Early Sign #7: Mild Loose Teeth or Changes in Bite

Even slight looseness indicates damage to the bone supporting the tooth.

You may notice:

• A tooth “shifts” slightly

• Bite feels different

• Teeth no longer align the same

These are later-stage warning signs that require immediate intervention.

What Causes Gum Disease in the First Place?

Gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque that isn’t fully removed. Risk factors include:

• Skipping cleanings

• Infrequent flossing

• Diabetes

• Smoking

• Genetics

• Hormonal changes

• Dry mouth

• Poor-fitting dental appliances

• Stress

Patients with a history of gum disease are more likely to develop it again.

How Dentists Diagnose Gum Disease

At Osuna Dental Care, we use:

Periodontal charting

We measure pocket depths around every tooth.

Digital X-rays

We check for bone loss.

Gum health evaluation

We look at bleeding points, recession, mobility, and inflammation.

Oral hygiene assessment

We identify problem areas and risk factors.

This detailed evaluation determines whether you need a routine cleaning or a deeper periodontal cleaning.

How Early Gum Disease Is Treated

If gum disease is caught early (gingivitis):

• A professional cleaning

• Improved brushing and flossing

• Antibacterial rinses

• Better home-care habits

…are typically enough to reverse the condition.

How Moderate to Advanced Gum Disease Is Treated

If pockets are deeper than 4mm, or there’s bone loss, you will likely need:

Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)

Removes bacteria under the gumline.

Periodontal maintenance

Cleanings every 3 months instead of every 6.

Local antibiotics (when needed)

Targets infection at specific sites.

Laser therapy (when appropriate)

Helps eliminate bacteria and shrink pockets.

Without treatment, bone loss progresses and may require surgery or tooth removal later.

How Gum Disease Affects Your Overall Health

Scientific research links gum disease to:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Diabetes complications

• Inflammation

• Premature birth

• Respiratory issues

Treating gum disease isn’t just about your mouth—it protects your overall health.

How to Prevent Gum Disease Long-Term

You can dramatically lower your risk by:

• Brushing twice daily

• Flossing once daily

• Using a water flosser

• Avoiding tobacco

• Managing diabetes

• Maintaining cleanings every 3–6 months

• Getting early treatment for bleeding gums

Small habits prevent major dental problems.

Notice Early Signs of Gum Disease? Don’t Wait.

Gum disease is painless in the beginning, but early treatment makes all the difference. Whether you’re noticing bleeding, swelling, or bad breath — or simply overdue for a cleaning — now is the best time to protect your gums and bone.

Call Osuna Dental Care at (505) 884-1989
or visit 5900 Cubero Dr NE Ste B, Albuquerque, NM 87109
to schedule your gum health evaluation and cleaning.