Periodontal disease, more often called “gum disease,” is a progressive infection affecting the soft tissue surrounding and supporting your teeth. Beginning as gingivitis, the mildest form that causes gum inflammation, it can advance to periodontitis (severe periodontal disease), where your gums pull away from your teeth, bone loss occurs, and teeth may eventually loosen or fall out.
Periodontal disease affects nearly half of American adults over 30, with rates increasing with age. Severe periodontal disease affects about 8% of adults. Because periodontal disease can have few or no symptoms in its early stages, many people remain unaware they have it until significant damage has occurred. Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and treatment.
Periodontal disease primarily develops from bacterial plaque that forms on teeth. When not removed through proper oral hygiene, these bacteria release toxins that trigger inflammation and infection. Several factors can significantly increase your risk or accelerate the progression of periodontal disease:
Inconsistent brushing and flossing allow plaque to accumulate and harden, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive and trigger periodontal inflammation. Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on teeth. If not removed daily through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which harbors bacteria that attack gum tissue and tooth enamel.
For removing plaque and tartar that cannot be addressed through home care alone, regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are essential.
Smoking starves your gums of oxygen, hides signs of disease like bleeding, and makes it harder for your mouth to fight infection and heal. That’s why smokers are up to six times more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose teeth.
Some people are genetically more susceptible to gum disease regardless of their oral care habits. Family history can be a strong indicator of your personal risk level.
People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing infections, including periodontal disease. The relationship works both ways—diabetes increases periodontal disease risk, while periodontal inflammation can make blood sugar control more difficult.
Fluctuations in hormone levels during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can make gums more sensitive and vulnerable to inflammation and bacterial infection.
Certain medications can affect oral health by reducing saliva flow, which can be harmful as saliva naturally protects teeth and gums. These include antidepressants, antihistamines, and some heart medications. Other medications can cause gum overgrowth, making it more challenging to maintain good oral hygiene.
Ongoing stress weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections, including those in the gums. Stress may also lead to teeth grinding, which can damage the gums that support them.
Periodontal disease often develops silently, with minimal symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, however, more noticeable signs emerge. Being aware of these warning signs enables earlier intervention, which typically results in more straightforward and effective treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to schedule a dental appointment promptly.
Healthy gums should appear pink and firm. Discoloration, especially redness or a purplish tint, indicates inflammation and is often the earliest visible sign of periodontal problems.
Gums that bleed during brushing, flossing or even spontaneously are experiencing inflammation. Contrary to popular belief, bleeding is not normal. While occasional bleeding after starting a new flossing or brushing routine can be normal, persistent bleeding warrants a dentist’s attention.
Gums may look fuller, rounded, or “inflated,” particularly near the base of your teeth. This is because your body sends fluid and immune cells to fight infection, causing visible swelling.
Persistent bad breath (halitosis) that doesn't resolve with brushing or mouthwash often indicates bacterial infection below the gumline.
A persistent sour or metallic taste in your mouth can result from bacterial infection and gum inflammation associated with periodontal disease.
Many of the symptoms of early periodontal disease will continue and worsen with periodontitis. In addition, these symptoms can be present:
Discomfort while eating, especially with harder foods, suggests inflammation has progressed to affect deeper tissues supporting your teeth.
When gums pull back from teeth, making teeth appear longer, it's a sign of advancing periodontal disease. Gum recession exposes tooth roots and increases sensitivity.
As supporting bone and connective tissues deteriorate, teeth may become mobile or shift position. Loose teeth represent an advanced stage of gum disease that requires immediate attention.
Changes in how your teeth align when biting may indicate bone loss and shifting of teeth due to periodontal damage.
Treatment for gum disease varies depending on the severity and stage of the condition. Early intervention is crucial for achieving successful outcomes and preventing irreversible damage. For mild cases (gingivitis), professional dental cleaning and improved home care may be sufficient. Your dentist may also recommend water picks, tongue scrapers or special mouth washes. More advanced cases may require deep cleaning procedures called scaling and root planing, during which bacteria and tartar are professionally removed from below the gumline and root surfaces are smoothed to promote healing and discourage future bacterial attachment.
For severe periodontitis, surgical interventions might be necessary. These interventions can include flap surgery to reduce pocket depths, bone and tissue grafts to regenerate lost structures or guided tissue regeneration to stimulate new bone growth. Many dentists perform laser therapy as a less-invasive alternative that allows for faster healing. Sometimes antimicrobial treatments or antibiotic therapy may be used to supplement mechanical cleaning. Following treatment, consistent maintenance appointments are crucial to prevent recurrence, typically scheduled every three to four months rather than the standard six-month interval for other patients.
Gingivitis is contagious because the bacteria that cause it can pass from person to person, usually through saliva. But having the bacteria doesn’t always mean you will get gum disease—it also depends on how well you care for your teeth and gums. Because many people already carry periodontal bacteria, “catching” them from someone else may not greatly increase risk unless it introduces a more harmful strain or the person’s oral environment allows bacteria to overgrow.
Healthy gums appear pink, firm, and fit snugly around teeth without bleeding during brushing or flossing. Gingivitis-affected gums appear red, swollen, and tend to bleed easily. The transition between healthy gums and gingivitis is reversible with proper care, unlike the progression to periodontitis, which involves permanent tissue damage.
To prevent gum disease, prevent bacterial plaque before it causes damage:
For those with higher risk factors, more frequent professional cleanings may be recommended. If you have any questions about periodontal disease, please do not hesitate to contact our Hybridge Implants & Smile Restoration offices.
