Common Signs You Need to See a Gum Disease Specialist in Bay Area San Jose CA
If you have noticed that your gums are more sensitive than usual as of late, you might be experiencing the early stages of gum disease. Get expert and specialized care from Dr. Victoria Vuong DDS and Dr. Henry Chang DDS at Selective Dental. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3151 South White Road, Suite 203 San Jose, CA 95148.


Table of Contents:
What are the signs of serious gum disease?
When should I be concerned about gum disease?
How fast does gum disease spread?
What are the stages of gum disease?
Serious gum disease, known as periodontitis, can damage your teeth, gums, and overall health. Some signs of serious gum disease include:
• Bleeding gums – While mild gum bleeding during brushing or flossing is common, persistent or heavy bleeding can be a sign of serious gum disease.
• Painful chewing – If you experience pain while chewing, it could be a sign that gum disease has progressed and is affecting the bones that support your teeth.
• Persistent inflammation – Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that can result in chronic inflammation all over the body.
• Lingering bad breath – Bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing or mouthwash is often a sign of gum disease.
• Receding gums – If your gums appear to be pulling away from your teeth, this could be a sign of serious gum disease.
• Changes in bite – If you notice a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite or chew, it could be a sign of gum disease.
• Abscesses – A gum abscess is a pus-filled pocket that develops in the gums, often due to a severe gum infection. If left untreated, abscesses can be excruciatingly painful and result in tooth loss.
• Pus or discharge – If you notice pus or discharge around your teeth and gums, this could be a sign of a serious gum infection.
• Loose teeth – Advanced gum disease can make your teeth lose and eventually cause them to fall out.
Gum disease is a common oral health problem that, if untreated, can cause serious harm. Understanding the symptoms of gum disease will enable you to take appropriate action and seek treatment as needed. Gum disease often produces warning signs such as bleeding, swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and painful chewing.
It’s urged to see a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment if you experience any of these symptoms. To stop gum disease from worsening and causing more harm to your teeth and gums, early intervention is crucial. Overall, being aware of gum disease warning signs and seeking treatment when concerns arise will help you maintain your oral health. Professional treatment can prevent serious complications that often arise from gum disease.
The severity of the condition, the patient’s general health, and oral hygiene practices are some of the key variables that affect how quickly gum disease spreads. Gum disease progresses gradually and is considered a chronic condition.
Poor oral hygiene often causes gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, to appear within days or weeks. However, this condition can be treated with dental procedures and oral hygiene practices. Gingivitis can advance to periodontitis if untreated. This is a more serious form of gum disease that can permanently harm the gums and the structures supporting the teeth.
The progression of periodontitis usually takes months or years and can result in tooth loss and health complications if untreated. It’s important to remember that the progression of gum disease can be slowed or stopped with proper treatment and oral hygiene habits. Regular dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, and in certain cases, surgery, can help manage the disease and prevent it from spreading.
Gum disease progresses through several stages, which are:
• Gingivitis – Gum disease’s earliest stage is caused by plaque accumulation along the gum line. Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are some of the symptoms of this condition. At this stage, gum disease is typically reversible with improved oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings.
• Early periodontitis – Gingivitis can develop into early periodontitis if it is left untreated. At this point, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can easily become infected.
• Moderate periodontitis – The pockets around the teeth deepen as the condition worsens, and bone loss may occur. Additionally, the teeth may shift and become loose.
• Advanced periodontitis – In the most severe stage of gum disease, significant bone loss has occurred, and teeth may need to be extracted. The gums recede further, and the teeth may become very loose or even fall out.
Come to Selective Dental Care to improve your oral health. Call us today to book an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 3151 South White Road, Suite 203 San Jose, CA 95148. At Selective Dental, our clinic is based around family and cosmetic dentistry, and our top-rated dentists Dr. Henry Chang DDS and Dr. Victoria Vuong DDS provide dental services to San Jose CA by Evergreen Area and surrounding areas! We serve patients from all over Santa Clara County CA: San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and beyond!

Additional Services You May Need
- Dental Implants
- Dental Bridges
- Dental Crowns
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Smile Makeover
- Root Canal Therapy
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Cleanings
- Veneers
- Cracked Tooth Treatment
- Emergency/Same-Day Services
- General Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Family Dentistry
- Children Dentistry
- Aesthetic Dentistry
- TMJ Treatment
- Extractions
- Emergency Dental Appointments
- Mouth Guards and Night Guards
- Ortho Retainers

Additional Services You May Need
- Dental Implants
- Dental Bridges
- Dental Crowns
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Smile Makeover
- Root Canal Therapy
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Cleanings
- Veneers
- Cracked Tooth Treatment
- Emergency/Same-Day Services
- General Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Family Dentistry
- Children Dentistry
- Aesthetic Dentistry
- TMJ Treatment
- Extractions
- Emergency Dental Appointments
- Mouth Guards and Night Guards
- Ortho Retainers