Lady smiling during gum disease treatment in Tampa, FL

The Symptoms of Gum Disease

February 12, 2022
|
Man smiling after gum disease treatment in Tampa, FL

Patients wondering if they have gum disease may experience several symptoms relating to the health of their gums and eventually teeth and jaw. If you are experiencing the symptoms described should contact our dental office to schedule a time to come into our office for a proper dental examination.

We can work with you to create a treatment plan to set you on the right track toward oral health.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs when a patient has bacterial waste build-up on the teeth, this builds up over time and pushes the gums away from the tooth, preventing them from forming the snug fit they are meant to have.

This open space allows the bacteria to travel deeper and produce more tartar, further pushing the gums away. Eventually, this can result in the gum line receding from the tooth, exposing more and more of the root. The problem may be less noticeable in the early stages of gum disease. 

Small things like chronic bad breath and tender gums might be the first clue, but other symptoms include:

  • Bleeding gums – first flossing, and brushing will cause the inflamed gums to start to bleed, but eventually, they may bleed on their own.
  • Sensitivity to flossing and brushing is likely an indication that your gums are inflamed and are fighting off bacteria.
  • Tartar build-up that is visible on the teeth is a clear sign it's time to visit the dentist.
  • Patients may notice their gumline is receding or that their teeth look longer because more of the tooth root is being exposed. 

How To Get Gentle Dental Treatment

If you suspect that you may be suffering from gum disease or need treatment for advanced gum disease stages, we can help. Carrollwood Villiage Dental will gladly help you get your oral health back on track. Contact us today to schedule a time to meet with your local Tampa, Florida dentist.

Related Blog Posts
June 16, 2026
Tired of the CPAP? How Tampa Dentists Fix Heavy Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Are you tired of the loud motor hum that keeps you and your partner awake at night, the uncomfortable face straps that need constant adjustment and leave lasting indentations, the bulky hose and water tank that require regular cleaning, and the sheer embarrassment and inconvenience when you travel to see ...

May 26, 2026
Why Teeth Crack More Often Than People Realize
woman looking at her cracked tooth in carrollwood village

Most people assume a cracked tooth must be the result of something obvious, like biting down too hard on something or taking a hit to the face. In reality, most tooth cracks I treat don’t suddenly happen; they develop slowly, over months or years. By the time you notice a ...

May 12, 2026
The Small Signs a Tooth Problem Is Getting Worse
damaged tooth that needs dental assistance in carrollwood village

Most dental problems don't announce themselves. In my experience, they show up as small, easy-to-explain-away signals that patients notice and then forget about. Here are some of the most common signs I see in my Carrollwood Village patients and why they're worth taking seriously.

Sensitivity That Comes and Goes

Patients often tell ...