Some problems won’t be noticeable to you at home, which is why it’s important to get regular check-ups (this is doubly true if you have a history of decay). For instance, gum disease often develops without people noticing and they may only act on it when they experience bleeding gums or severe discomfort. There are some warning signs that you can spot yourself. Look out for: gums that are swollen, tender, bleed when you brush or floss, or appear red (gums should be a pale pink colour) oral pain, especially while chewing persistent bad breath loose teeth consistent bad taste in mouth teeth that are unusually sensitive to temperature.