Gums that bleed easily are worth mentioning at your next dental visit. NIH's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research says gum disease starts with swollen, red and bleeding gums, so it is an early sign rather than something to guess about.

Here is how it begins, according to the institute. Dental plaque that is not removed every day can harden into tartar. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar. Both plaque and tartar carry bacteria that can trigger inflammation and damage the gums and the tissues that hold teeth in place. In advanced gum disease, the institute says, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed, and teeth may loosen or shift.

Smoking or using tobacco is the most significant risk factor, the institute says, and tobacco use can also slow healing and make treatment less successful. Other risk factors include older age, diabetes, genetics and stress. The institute notes that gum disease is more common and more severe in men than in women, so it is a reason for a husband or brother to speak up too.

At a check-up, a dentist looks for inflammation, bleeding and gums pulling away from the teeth, and uses a tiny ruler called a probe to measure the pockets around each tooth. An x-ray can show any bone loss. The institute says the goal of treatment is to control the infection, and your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, a gum specialist, for more options.

For prevention, the institute points to daily brushing and flossing, plus routine dental visits and professional cleanings. Talk to your dentist about which between-the-teeth tool suits you best.