WHO GETS GUM DISEASE? People usually don't show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line. How do you know if you have gum disease? Symptoms of gum disease include bad breath that won't go away; red or swollen gums; tender or bleeding gums; painful chewing; loose teeth; sensitive teeth; and receding gums or teeth that appear to be longer. Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist. At your dental visit the dentist or hygienist should: Ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to gum disease. Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation. Use a tiny ruler called a "probe" to check for and measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters. This test for pocket depth is usually painless. The dentist or hygienist may also: Take an x-ray to see whether there is any bone loss. Refer you to a periodontist. Periodontists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and may provide you with treatment options that are not offered by your dentist. SM-CL2037 Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 . WHO GETS GUM DISEASE ? People usually don't show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s . Men are more likely to have gum disease than women . Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis , they can develop gingivitis , the milder form of gum disease . Most commonly , gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line . How do you know if you have gum disease ? Symptoms of gum disease include bad breath that won't go away ; red or swollen gums ; tender or bleeding gums ; painful chewing ; loose teeth ; sensitive teeth ; and receding gums or teeth that appear to be longer . Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem , which should be checked by a dentist . At your dental visit the dentist or hygienist should : Ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors ( such as smoking ) that may contribute to gum disease . Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation . Use a tiny ruler called a " probe " to check for and measure any pockets . In a healthy mouth , the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters . This test for pocket depth is usually painless . The dentist or hygienist may also : Take an x - ray to see whether there is any bone loss . Refer you to a periodontist . Periodontists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease and may provide you with treatment options that are not offered by your dentist . SM - CL2037 Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554 .