This quick guide helps you answer do i have gum disease — what to look for, common causes, simple checks you can do at home, and when to get professional care. Read through the signs and steps below so you can act early if needed and protect your teeth and overall health.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It starts as gingivitis, a reversible inflammation of the gums caused by plaque. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place are damaged. Early detection matters: treating gingivitis is usually simple, while advanced periodontitis can lead to loose teeth, tooth loss, and links to other health problems.
Common signs: do i have gum disease
If you’re wondering do i have gum disease in Sterling, VA or elsewhere, watch for these common symptoms. One or two signs don’t always mean serious disease, but multiple or worsening signs need attention.
Bleeding when you brush or floss
Light bleeding when you brush or floss often points to gingivitis. If bleeding is frequent or heavy, schedule an exam.
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Healthy gums are firm and pink. Redness, puffiness, or soreness are early warning signs.
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
Chronic bad breath (halitosis) or a constant unpleasant taste can come from bacteria below the gum line.
Gums pulling away / teeth look longer
Receding gums make teeth look longer and expose sensitive root surfaces. This can signal tissue loss from periodontitis.
Loose or shifting teeth
Teeth that move or change how they fit together are a serious sign of bone loss and need fast evaluation.
Pain, pus, or sores around the gums
Pain, drainage, or visible pus are signs of infection. Seek care promptly.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease usually starts with plaque, but other factors raise your risk:
- Plaque buildup and poor oral hygiene — the most common cause.
- Smoking, diabetes, certain medications, and genetics — these make infection worse or healing harder.
- Age, hormone changes, stress, and crowded teeth — these can influence gum health and make it easier for disease to develop.
Simple checks you can do at home
Try these gentle self-checks to help answer “do i have gum disease”:
- Look in a mirror for red, swollen, or receding gums and compare sides of your mouth.
- Brush and floss; note if bleeding occurs regularly.
- Gently press around your gums with clean fingers — pain, pus, or mobility of teeth is a concern.
- Check bite and feel if any teeth are loose or shifting.
- Note persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing or mouthwash.
If your symptoms are mild, improved home care — brushing twice daily, daily flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash — may help. But don’t wait if signs persist or worsen.
When to see a dentist or periodontist
See your dentist or a periodontist if you notice repeated bleeding, swelling, gum recession, loose teeth, pain, or persistent bad breath. Early professional treatment, such as scaling and root planing, is more effective and less invasive than waiting until the disease is advanced. If you’ve tried better home care for a couple of weeks with no improvement, make an appointment.
Treatment options a periodontist may offer
Non-surgical care
Most early to moderate gum disease is treated without surgery. Common options include:
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line
- Targeted antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses
- Ongoing periodontal maintenance visits to prevent recurrence
Surgical and advanced options
For more advanced disease or structural damage, a specialist may suggest:
- Gum grafting to restore lost tissue
- Osseous surgery to reshape bone and reduce pockets
- Bone grafting or ridge augmentation to rebuild bone for stability or implants
- Implant-based tooth replacement if teeth cannot be saved
About NOVA Perio Specialists
If you ask “do i have gum disease near Leesburg, VA” or “do i have gum disease in Aldie, VA,” NOVA Perio Specialists offers local specialty care across Sterling, Leesburg, and Aldie. The team includes four experienced periodontists who provide exams, oral cancer screening, sedation options for anxious patients, and both non-surgical and advanced surgical treatments. Financing and insurance help are available to support access to needed care.
Next steps: quick action plan
If you’re still asking “do i have gum disease,” follow this checklist:
- Improve home care: brush twice daily, floss daily, consider an antimicrobial rinse.
- Schedule a dental exam if you notice bleeding, swelling, bad breath, receding gums, or loose teeth.
- Ask your dentist about periodontal screening and, if needed, a referral to a periodontist.
- Discuss sedation and financing options if anxiety or cost is a concern.
Early action preserves teeth and health. If you have signs of gum disease, don’t delay — professional evaluation is the next best step.
