Warning Signs to Watch for in Early-Stage Periodontitis

Heather Martinson • October 15, 2022

Did you know that around 90% of the population has gingivitis? Gingivitis is easily reversible through proper oral care and regular dental cleanings.

If not addressed, gingivitis progresses to early-stage periodontitis. In the very early phases, you might be able to reverse symptoms and improve your oral health. Yet, periodontitis and gum disease is irreversible and can cause lasting damage to your teeth and gums.

Visiting a dentist when you start experiencing bleeding or gum soreness is crucial to your periodontitis outcome. Luckily, we have a must-read article you won't want to miss out on.

Since many early signs are often missed, our complete guide is going to review the most common warning signs for early-stage periodontitis. Keep reading on until the end and find out how to locate a dentist near you to help you get started.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is a prevalent oral health condition resulting in gum inflammation. There are three stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis
Periodontitis
Gum disease

Some may include gingivitis and early-stage periodontitis as one. However, periodontitis is usually more severe and can cause lasting damage to your gums, tissues, and teeth.

Without early intervention, periodontitis can quickly progress to gum disease. Eventually, this leads to infections and tooth loss.

Causes of Early Stage Periodontitis

Poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of periodontitis. Daily brushing and flossing help remove harmful bacteria and avoid plaque build-up. Without adequate oral care, you are more at risk for:

Dental plaque
Tartar
Gum inflammation
Poor immune system

Additionally, some lifestyle habits also increase your risk. Smoking and poor nutrition are leading causes of periodontitis and gum disease. Medical conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and HIV can put you more at risk than the general population.

Early Stage Periodontitis Warning Signs

Early-stage periodontitis symptoms include tartar and/or plaque build-up. You may start noticing this around the edges of your teeth, next to your gums. Other early warning signs include:

Bleeding gums
Bad breath
Tender gums
Loose teeth
Bite changes
Pain with chewing

Typically, there are four stages of periodontitis, if you include gingivitis. After gingivitis, it progresses to mild or early-stage periodontitis. Moderate and severe stages follow. During gingivitis, you may not notice symptoms.

Or, it could be easy to ignore signs. For example, you might start noticing bleeding while brushing or eating tough foods. While there could be some irritation and soreness, it is easy to dismiss.

A qualified dentist helps you recognize early symptoms and start immediate treatment.

During early-stage periodontitis, the warning signs start becoming more obvious. It is also harder to reverse symptoms at this stage.

Your gums start becoming more tender, and you can begin noticing color changes. This occurs as the blood supply decreases and your body's immune response activates. Even in the early stages, you are at risk for tooth loss or weakening, and you must seek qualified care.

Early Stage Periodontitis Prevention and Treatments

Avoiding early warning signs of periodontitis can increase your risk for heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Dental experts recommend receiving bi-annual dental exams.

During dental cleanings and exams, professionals can catch early-stage periodontitis symptoms by:

Measuring gum pockets
Taking dental x-rays
Watching for tarter or calculus build-up

Minor periodontitis cases might not require any intensive treatments. For some, it could be finding better ways to implement oral care into their daily routine. Other non-surgical treatments for early stages include:

Removing tartar and bacteria
Root planing
Antibiotics

In many cases, if you catch periodontitis early on, you can reverse symptoms. Eating healthy and following good oral hygiene habits are critical.

What Happens if You Ignore Early Stage Periodontitis?

If you ignore early warning signs, periodontitis can progress to gum disease. Severe cases might require multiple dental appointments to remove excessive plaque and/or tartar build-up.

Usually, more invasive measures are needed, such as a pocket reduction, gum graft, and laser therapy. Abscesses and infections can occur during these stages.

Your dentist may need to drain the abscess and administer antibiotics. Lastly, a bone graft is necessary if the natural tissue and bone cannot be saved. During a bone graft procedure, the pocket is cleaned, and natural or synthetic bone is used to stimulate healing.

Finding a Dentist in Arlington, TX, for Periodontitis

Finding a qualified dentist in Arlington, TX, can help you manage your early symptoms and prevent complications. Here are a few tips to help you find a dentist near you:

What services do they offer?
Do they accommodate appointment times for your schedule?
What technology do they use?
What certifications and licensure do they have?
What do the online reviews say?

A dentist who is specialized in preventive care and oral system health can address early-stage periodontitis. It is also helpful to have a dentist with experience in sedation dentistry if cases of periodontitis require more invasive measures. Lastly, a clinic must use high-end technology and imaging equipment for better diagnoses and treatment plans.

Catching Early Stage Periodontitis

Have you wondered how a dentist in Arlington, TX, can help your early-stage periodontitis? You should visit a reputable dental clinic one to two times yearly for preventive care and cleanings.

Your hygienist and dentist will perform a thorough assessment and review x-rays to check for early signs of periodontitis. You should also disclose any discomfort around your gum line you've been experiencing, including bleeding.

Are you ready to get started? Contact us today and start scheduling your next dental appointment.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.