Take note that the early symptoms of gum disease resemble gingivitis. Dental examinations are necessary to check the mouth and teeth and to find out if there is swollen gums, soft, red-purple gingiva. Plaque and calculus deposits may be visible at the base of the teeth, accompanied by enlarged pockets in the gums. The gums may be painful and mildly tender, unless there is a presence of tooth abscess. Eventually teeth may become loose and receding gums can happen. The loss of supporting bone and may also show the presence of plaque deposits under the gums may be revealed by dental x-rays.