Gum Disease Warning Signs: When Havertown Patients Should Call Dr. Maconi

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September 5, 2025

Healthy gums don’t ask for attention, but the same may not be true for troubled gum tissues. If you’ve noticed bleeding when brushing, tender gums, or breath that doesn’t improve with routine oral care, you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck with guesswork. Nearly half of U.S. adults over 30 live with some level of periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease, which makes timely care essential for long-term oral health. 

Why catching problems early matters

Gingivitis is gum inflammation that is in the first stage. The good news: It can be reversed with professional oral cleaning and consistent at-home oral care. Lack of attention and care can turn it into periodontitis. Once you reach this stage of gum disease,  you start to lose the jawbone, and the damage becomes irreversible. That’s why detecting signs of gum disease early protects your smile.

What to watch out for (and what it means)

These symptoms of gum disease have a tendency to appear out of the blue. If you experience any of them, it’s time for comprehensive dental care:

  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Redness, swelling, or soreness along the gumline
  • Receding gums or teeth that appear longer
  • Bad breath or a bad taste that lingers
  • Loose teeth or a change in how your bite feels

Gum disease is so tricky that you may not even experience any pain. That’s just one reason why regular dental cleanings and exams are necessary even when “everything feels fine.”

What will occur at the visit?

Step-by-step care, no surprise

During a periodontal checkup, we examine plaque and tartar, assess gum pocket depth around each tooth, and review dental X-rays for bone depth. Based on the findings, we design a personalized oral care plan including good cleaning, scaling, and root planing, and routine periodontal maintenance.

When to call Dr. Maconi

Call us if you notice bleeding, gum recession, or changes in breathing that persist longer than two weeks, or if you’ve had routine cleanings missed. A visit with Dr. David Maconi at Havertown Dental Arts is a no-brainer: you’ll be all set with an understanding of your present gum health, risk factors, and what the next steps are to protect your smile. Schedule your visit with Havertown Dental Arts for a consultation with Dr. Maconi today.