How do you know if you have a gum disease? i got a scaling at my last appointment and my gums are getting puffy and white at the gumline

Ask a dentist ?: The only way to diagnose this is direct examination, if you haven't found a good dentist, I suggest you go see one, puffy gums suggests gum disease - so no smoking, more healthy choices, and good genes( can't control that) will get you started, a good hygiene plan and a good dentist will help you get the rest of the way to better gums

Gum disease: From what you describe I doubt you have gum disease. More than likely you're having some inflammation of the gums, which is often normal following scaling and root planing of teeth. Some patients do not keep their gums as clean as possible with proper brushing and flossing after this treatment because the gums are sore. This results in even more inflammation. Call you dentist for advice.