Battling gum disease is likely something you'll take on more than once. For almost 50% of people, serious gum disease is a problem that must be dealt with regularly. Gum disease in its earliest form — gingivitis — is most easy to treat, but the condition can keep coming back or never entirely get eradicated. Without regular care and treatment, gum disease can progress and destroy tissue and bone, leading to premature tooth loss or other oral health issues.

If you go to the dentist regularly, you should be able to catch any signs of gum disease relatively early. However, you can have gum disease creep up on you at any time, and you may not even notice that your issue has returned or worsened until your dentist sees it at your next appointment. Has your gum disease come back? Use this guide, along with the help of your dentist, to keep track of your gum health.

You have poor breath

Has your breath gotten bad lately? Is it bad even after you brush your teeth? If so, your gum disease may be back, especially if you have other people commenting on the condition of your breath.

Bad breath can be a sign that bacteria is present in your gum line or in pockets under your teeth, which is a common sign of gingivitis. See your dentist for treatment before your oral health condition gets worse.

You have sensitive teeth

A surprising sign of gum disease is this: sensitive teeth. If one or more of your teeth are increasingly sensitive to hot or cold things and you are experiencing other possible signs of gum disease like bleeding or sensitive gums as well, then it's time to see your dentist to see if your gum disease problem is worsening. It could be that your gum disease hasn't entirely left and is having a flare-up, which can quickly cause you to get a more serious dental problem.

You have loose teeth

Since advanced gum disease can cause your teeth to become loose because your gums and jawbone are affected by the condition, it's common for teeth to become loose or even fall out as a result of untreated gum disease. If your teeth feel weakened or loose and your gums appear red, inflamed, swollen, or painful to the touch, then see your dentist to have your mouth inspected and treated for a gum infection.

A periodontal treatment or deeper cleaning can help keep your gum disease in check. Always see your dentist for continued care, even after you believe your gum disease has been eradicated.