After gum disease has progressed, you will likely begin to notice that your gums are red and painful, and they bleed more easily. Your breath may also begin to smell funny; chronic halitosis with no known cause is a symptom of gum disease. During this stage of gum disease, you may discover that your gums seem to be receding from your teeth. This “pulling back” of the gums is called gum recession. If left untreated, it can allow gum disease to progress to advanced periodontal disease.
In the advanced stage, advanced periodontitis occurs. As the periodontal pockets between the teeth allow more bacteria to grow next to tooth and bone, the teeth start to decay and possibly loosen. In fact, tooth and bone loss is common in those whose periodontal disease is not addressed.