Bleeding gums are a strong indication that you may have developed gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and at this point, the disease is highly treatable and reversible. But many people choose to ignore bleeding gums for some reason. If it occurs every once and a while, then you may be okay, but consistently bleeding gums should never be ignored. This same logic also holds true for swollen gums. A very serious symptom that some people choose to ignore is gum recession. Some people think that as we age, gum recession is normal. That is not the case, and if you notice gum recession, you should definitely consult a professional.
There are less obvious signs of gum disease that get ignored even more frequently than issues with the gums. One of these signs is having bad breath. It is easy to chalk up bad breath as being caused by something you ate that day, but consistent bad breath can indicate gum disease. Even when it is consistent, many choose to cover up their bad breath with gum and breath mints. It is much better to get to the bottom of the problem by visiting our Los Angeles periodontist, as opposed to covering it up.