When Healthy Gums Are No Longer a Given
Richard MarksMost people don’t think about their gums until something feels off—bleeding when brushing, a bit of swelling, maybe tenderness along the gumline. These symptoms are easy to dismiss. But they can be signs of an early stage of periodontal disease, which is both very common and very underappreciated.
At its worst, this condition doesn't just make your breath smell bad or hurt a little; it also weakens the structures that hold your teeth in place. If you don't take care of it, it can cause bone loss, tooth movement, and eventually tooth loss. Things that start out quietly below the surface can be hard to change back without help.