Quick answer
Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums and the tissue that supports your teeth, usually caused by plaque that stays on the teeth. It starts mildly as gingivitis, with red or bleeding gums, and can progress to periodontitis, which can damage bone and loosen teeth.
Key takeaways
- Gum disease is an infection of the gums and supporting tissue, usually started by plaque bacteria.
- Early gum disease (gingivitis) can often be reversed with good daily care and a professional cleaning.
- Bleeding, swollen or tender gums are common early signs, and gum disease can be present without much discomfort.
- Gum disease that has reached the bone usually needs professional treatment, not home remedies alone.
- A dentist can check your gums and explain the right next step for your situation.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It is usually caused by bacteria in plaque, the sticky film that builds up on teeth every day.
There are two main stages. Gingivitis is the early stage, where the gums become irritated and inflamed but the bone underneath is still intact. Periodontitis is the more advanced stage, where the infection spreads below the gumline and begins to break down the bone and fibers that anchor the teeth.
Gum disease is common. The CDC reports that "about 4 in 10 U.S. adults 30 years or older had a mild, moderate, or severe level of periodontitis in 2009–2014." If you have it, you are far from alone, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about.
What does gum disease look like?
Healthy gums are usually firm and pale pink and do not bleed when you brush. Gum disease often changes that look and feel, though the changes can be subtle at first.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research describes it this way: "Gums may be red, swollen, or tender. Gums may bleed easily." Other signs can include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Gums that look like they are pulling away from the teeth, making teeth seem longer
- Small pockets or spaces forming between the teeth and gums
- Teeth that feel loose or a bite that feels different
Some people have very few symptoms until the disease is well along, which is one reason regular checkups matter.
What causes gum disease?
The main cause is plaque that is not fully removed. Plaque contains bacteria that irritate the gums, and the body's response to that irritation causes the swelling and bleeding.
The NIDCR notes that "dental plaque, if not removed every day, can harden and form tartar." Tartar, also called calculus, clings to the tooth surface and cannot be brushed away at home. It gives more bacteria a place to grow, so the irritation continues.
Other things can raise the chance of gum disease or make it harder to control:
- Smoking or using tobacco
- Diabetes that is not well controlled
- Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy
- Certain medications that cause dry mouth
- Crowded teeth or old restorations that trap plaque
- Family history
Having one of these does not mean you will get gum disease, and brushing well does not make you immune. It just means your gums may need extra attention.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis can often be reversed. Periodontitis usually cannot be fully reversed, but it can be controlled so it stops getting worse.
In gingivitis, no bone has been lost yet, so removing plaque and tartar and keeping up daily care often lets the gums return to a healthy state. This usually involves a professional cleaning followed by consistent brushing and flossing at home.
Once periodontitis has damaged the bone, that lost support does not grow back on its own. Treatment then focuses on cleaning below the gumline, reducing the bacteria, and keeping the gums stable over the long term. This is why catching gum disease early gives you more options. If you have waited a while, that is okay. Our team does not judge, and the next step is to find out where things stand.
Can you cure gum disease at home?
Home care is essential, but it usually cannot cure gum disease on its own, especially once tartar has formed or pockets have developed. Brushing and flossing remove plaque, but they cannot remove hardened tartar.
For early gum irritation, good habits at home can make a real difference:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner.
- Rinse with water after meals if you cannot brush.
- Avoid tobacco.
Be cautious about home remedies that promise to cure gum disease without a dentist. Salt water rinses may feel soothing, but they do not remove the bacteria stuck under the gumline or the tartar attached to your teeth. If your gums keep bleeding after a couple of weeks of careful cleaning, or if you notice swelling, pus or loose teeth, it is time to have a dentist take a look.
How can you prevent gum disease?
The most reliable way to prevent gum disease is to remove plaque every day and have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular schedule. Prevention is mostly simple, repeatable habits.
- Brush well, and pay attention to the area where the tooth meets the gum.
- Clean between teeth, since plaque there is easy to miss with a brush alone.
- Keep up with checkups. A dentist can spot early changes before you notice them. Our professional dental cleanings remove tartar that home care cannot.
- Skip tobacco. Smoking makes gum disease more likely and can hide the warning signs.
- Manage health conditions. If you have diabetes, keeping it controlled helps protect your gums.
If brushing or flossing is difficult because of arthritis, braces or other reasons, tell your dentist. There are tools and techniques that can help.
How is gum disease treated by a dentist?
Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. For gingivitis, a thorough professional cleaning and better home care are often enough. For periodontitis, a deeper cleaning is usually the first step.
A deep cleaning, often called scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach more easily. Some people also need follow-up visits to monitor pockets and keep the area clean. You can read more about the options on our gum disease treatment page.
We know cost and comfort are real concerns. Our team accepts most major dental PPO plans and offers CareCredit, in-house payment plans and the Ultra Discounts plan for people without insurance. If you feel anxious about being in the chair, tell us. Oral conscious sedation is available, and our team will explain each step before we begin.
Will dentures stop gum disease?
No. Getting dentures does not stop gum disease, and it is not a way to avoid it. Gum disease affects the tissue and bone that support natural teeth, and the bacteria involved can still cause problems elsewhere in the mouth.
If you are considering dentures because of gum disease, the infection is usually treated first. Teeth that cannot be saved may be removed, but the remaining gums and bone still need to be kept healthy. People who wear dentures also need to clean them daily and have their gums and tissues checked regularly. A dentist can help you weigh saving your natural teeth against replacing them, based on what is happening in your mouth.
When should you see a dentist about your gums?
See a dentist if your gums bleed regularly, look red or swollen, or if you have bad breath that does not go away. You do not need to wait for pain, since gum disease is often quiet in its early stages.
Seek care sooner if you notice a swollen area, pus, a loose tooth or a sudden change in how your teeth fit together. Same-day emergency care is available at Ultra Dental, and walk-ins are welcome at our Peoria, North Phoenix and Metro offices. Our team also speaks Spanish. This article is general education, not a diagnosis. A dentist can examine your gums and advise you on your own situation.
Sources
- Periodontal (Gum) Disease, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH)
- About Periodontal (Gum) Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Gum disease, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Gingivitis, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
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