Gum Disease & Periodontal Health – Dental Q&A
What is gum disease?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of the tissue and bone that support your teeth. It starts as gingivitis — inflammation of the gums — and can progress to periodontitis, which destroys the bone holding teeth in place. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to serious systemic health conditions.
What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?
Common signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, receding gums that make teeth look longer, loose teeth, and changes in bite. In early gingivitis, the gums may only bleed during brushing. Advanced periodontitis can cause tooth mobility and pain.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease — the gums are inflamed and may bleed, but no permanent damage to bone or connective tissue has occurred yet. It is completely reversible with a professional cleaning and improved home care. Periodontitis is the advanced stage, where bacteria have destroyed bone and tissue around teeth, and that damage is not reversible.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis — early gum disease — is completely reversible with professional cleaning and consistent home care. True periodontitis (bone loss) is not reversible, but it can be stopped from advancing further with proper treatment and maintenance. Lost bone and gum tissue generally do not regenerate without surgical intervention.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by plaque — a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth. When plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which irritates gum tissue. Risk factors that accelerate gum disease include smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, certain medications, and genetics.
What are the treatment options for gum disease?
Treatment for gum disease depends on its stage. Gingivitis is treated with a professional cleaning and improved home care. Early to moderate periodontitis is treated with scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). Advanced periodontitis may require laser therapy, osseous surgery, or bone grafting to restore lost support structures.
Should I floss if my gums bleed?
Yes. Bleeding gums when flossing are usually a sign of inflammation caused by plaque buildup — which is exactly what flossing removes. The bleeding will typically stop within one to two weeks of consistent daily flossing as the gum tissue heals and inflammation resolves. Stopping flossing because of bleeding makes the problem worse.
What happens if gum disease is not treated?
Untreated gum disease progressively destroys the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. This leads to deep pockets around teeth, recession, increasing tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. Gum disease bacteria have also been linked to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, pregnancy complications, and respiratory disease.
Is gum disease contagious?
Gum disease itself is not transmitted like a cold, but the bacteria that cause it can be passed between people through saliva — through kissing, sharing utensils, or sharing a toothbrush. Partners of people with gum disease have a higher risk of developing it themselves. Good oral hygiene remains the primary protection.
Can smoking cause or worsen gum disease?
Yes. Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease. It reduces blood flow to gum tissue, impairs the immune response, masks bleeding (a key early warning sign), and drastically slows healing after treatment. Smokers are four times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults — ahead of cavities and injury. As the disease destroys the bone supporting teeth, teeth become loose and eventually fall out or require extraction. Treating gum disease early is the most effective way to avoid tooth loss.
Can gum disease be linked to heart disease or diabetes?
Yes. Research consistently shows a two-way relationship between gum disease and both heart disease and diabetes. Periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory responses that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Diabetes impairs the body's ability to fight infection, worsening gum disease, while gum disease makes blood sugar control harder.