Gum Disease

Bleeding during brushing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, tender gums, and teeth that feel loose can all occur. Gums may pull away from teeth, creating pockets where infection can continue.

Plaque bacteria trigger inflammation at the gum margin. If plaque remains, it hardens into tartar that brushing cannot remove, and the inflammation can extend below the gum line.

Gingivitis is the early stage, with inflamed gums that can bleed. Periodontitis is more advanced: pockets deepen, the attachment around teeth is damaged, and bone can be lost.

Risk rises when plaque and tartar remain at the gum line. Smoking and other factors can affect gum health and the response to treatment, while poor daily cleaning allows inflammation to persist.

Diagnosis checks the gums for redness, swelling, bleeding, recession, and pockets around the teeth. The teeth and supporting bone are assessed to determine whether disease is limited to the gums or has progressed to periodontitis.

Early gingivitis is treated by removing plaque and tartar and improving daily cleaning. Periodontitis may need deeper professional cleaning below the gum line, with treatment directed at pockets and damaged supporting tissues.

Treatment complexity follows the stage of disease. Care limited to inflamed gums requires less extensive work than treatment for deep pockets, attachment loss, or bone damage.

Periodontitis can destroy the tissues and bone that hold teeth in place, leading to tooth mobility and tooth loss. Persistent pockets allow infection to remain below the gum line.

Brush twice daily, clean between the teeth, and have plaque and tartar removed professionally. These steps reduce the bacterial buildup that drives gum inflammation and help protect the supporting tissues.