What a Dentist Checks First for Gingivitis or Periodontitis
Bleeding or swollen gums do not diagnose gum disease on their own. A dentist usually starts with a visual exam, probing, plaque checks, and history.
Bleeding or swollen gums do not diagnose gum disease on their own. A dentist usually starts with a visual exam, probing, plaque checks, and history.
Bleeding, swollen, or receding gums are worth an exam. Learn what dentists check first, how they tell gingivitis from periodontitis, and what comes next.
A little gum bleeding can happen after a lapse in flossing, but recurring bleeding with swelling, recession, bad breath, loose teeth, or chewing pain should be checked.
A small amount of blood on floss can happen after a gap in cleaning, but it should start improving quickly. Learn when home care is reasonable, when bleeding should be booked for a dental exam, and how to keep cleaning between teeth gently while you wait.
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