Overview
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, affects the gums and the tissues that hold teeth in place. The early stage is often called gingivitis, and a more advanced stage is called periodontitis. Without treatment, the condition can damage supporting bone and other tissues around the teeth.
Key Symptoms
Common signs include gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, redness, swelling, tenderness, and ongoing bad breath. As the condition worsens, gums may pull away from the teeth, teeth may look longer, chewing may feel uncomfortable, or teeth may become loose. Some people have few symptoms at first.
Causes and Risk Factors
The main cause is a buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth and gumline. If plaque is not removed well, it can harden into tartar, which is harder to clean off at home. Smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, certain medicines, stress, and not getting regular dental care can increase risk.
Who Is Affected
Gum disease can affect children, teenagers, and adults, but it becomes more common with age. People who smoke, have diabetes, have dry mouth, or have limited access to dental care may be more affected. People with braces, crowded teeth, or difficulty cleaning their teeth may also have a higher chance of developing it.
Prevention
Daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth help remove plaque before it causes inflammation. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are important because tartar cannot be fully removed with normal brushing alone. Avoiding tobacco and managing health conditions such as diabetes can also help lower risk.
Diagnosis and Tests
A dentist or dental professional usually diagnoses gum disease by examining the gums, checking for bleeding, and measuring spaces between the teeth and gums. They may also take dental X-rays to look for bone loss around the teeth. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, the exam, and signs of tissue damage.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on how advanced the disease is. Early gum disease may improve with better home oral care and professional cleaning, while more advanced disease may need deeper cleaning below the gumline and ongoing dental treatment. In severe cases, dental procedures may be discussed to help manage damaged tissue and support the teeth.
Living With It
Gum disease often needs ongoing attention, even after treatment. Keeping up with home mouth care and follow-up visits can help control inflammation and reduce further damage. If teeth feel loose, chewing is painful, or symptoms keep returning, prompt dental review is important.
When to Seek Medical Care
Arrange dental care if you notice bleeding gums, swollen gums, bad breath that does not go away, gum recession, pus near a tooth, or loose teeth. Seek help sooner if symptoms are getting worse, if you have diabetes, or if mouth pain is affecting eating. Early assessment can help limit damage to the gums and supporting tissues.
When It May Be an Emergency
Urgent medical or dental care may be needed if there is rapidly increasing swelling of the gums, face, or jaw, severe pain, fever, trouble swallowing, or trouble breathing. These symptoms can suggest a spreading infection or another serious problem that should not wait.