Table of Contents
- • What is Gum Disease?
- • Stages of Gum Disease
- • Warning Signs & Symptoms
- • Risk Factors
- • Prevention Strategies
- • Treatment Options
- • Connection to Overall Health
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It's caused by bacteria in plaque—the sticky film that constantly forms on teeth. If not removed through brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar and causes inflammation.
Alarming Statistics
- • 47% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease
- • 70% of adults over 65 have gum disease
- • Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults
- • Most people don't know they have it (often painless early on)
Stages of Gum Disease
Stage 1: Gingivitis (Reversible)
What happens: Inflammation of gums due to plaque buildup
Symptoms: Red, swollen gums that bleed when brushing/flossing
Good news: 100% reversible with proper cleaning and oral hygiene! No permanent damage yet.
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
What happens: Infection spreads below gumline, starts destroying bone
Symptoms: Increased bleeding, gum recession, bad breath, small pockets form
Treatment: Professional deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) can stop progression. Bone loss is permanent but can be halted.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
What happens: Significant bone loss, deeper pockets, bacteria enter bloodstream
Symptoms: Painful chewing, loose teeth, pus between teeth, shifting teeth
Treatment: Deep cleaning may not be enough. May need gum surgery, antibiotics, or laser treatment.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
What happens: Severe bone loss, very deep pockets, major infection
Symptoms: Teeth very loose, painful eating, severe bad breath, constant bleeding, pus
Treatment: May require tooth extraction, bone grafts, implants. Can affect overall health (heart disease, diabetes complications).
Warning Signs & Symptoms
See Your Dentist If You Notice:
Risk Factors
Lifestyle
- • Smoking/tobacco (biggest risk!)
- • Poor oral hygiene
- • Stress
- • Poor nutrition
- • Obesity
Medical
- • Diabetes
- • Medications (dry mouth)
- • Immune disorders
- • Hormonal changes
- • Rheumatoid arthritis
Other
- • Genetics/family history
- • Age (risk increases)
- • Crooked teeth (harder to clean)
- • Teeth grinding
- • Pregnancy
Prevention Strategies
Your Daily Defense Plan
Brush Correctly
Twice daily for 2 minutes. Use soft-bristled brush at 45° angle to gumline. Gentle circular motions—don't scrub!
Floss Daily
Once per day minimum. Flossing is THE most important thing for gum health. Remove plaque from between teeth where gum disease starts.
Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Reduces bacteria that cause gum disease. Use after brushing/flossing. Look for ADA seal.
Regular Dental Cleanings
Every 6 months (or more frequently if you have gum disease). Professional cleaning removes tartar you can't remove at home.
Don't Smoke
Smoking is the #1 risk factor for gum disease. It weakens your immune system and makes treatment less effective. Quitting dramatically reduces risk.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Vitamin C and calcium support gum health. Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Stay hydrated.
Treatment Options
For Gingivitis
- Professional cleaning: Remove plaque and tartar
- Improved home care: Proper brushing and flossing
- Antibacterial mouthwash: Reduce bacteria
- Result: Usually reverses in 1-2 weeks
For Early/Moderate Periodontitis
- Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): Remove tartar below gumline, smooth root surfaces. Usually 2-4 visits under local anesthetic.
- Antibiotics: Pills or placed directly in pockets
- Laser therapy: Alternative to traditional deep cleaning
- Follow-up cleanings: Every 3-4 months to maintain
For Advanced Periodontitis
- Flap Surgery: Lift gums back to deeply clean roots, then suture in place
- Bone Grafts: Rebuild bone destroyed by disease
- Soft Tissue Grafts: Cover exposed roots, stop recession
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: Encourage bone/tissue regrowth
- Tooth Extraction: If tooth too damaged, replace with implant
Connection to Overall Health
Gum disease isn't just about your mouth—research links it to serious health conditions:
Heart Disease
People with gum disease have 2-3x higher risk of heart attack or stroke. Bacteria enter bloodstream and may contribute to artery clogging.
Diabetes
Bidirectional relationship. Gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control. Uncontrolled diabetes increases gum disease risk.
Respiratory Disease
Bacteria from mouth can be inhaled into lungs, causing pneumonia and worsening COPD or other lung conditions.
Pregnancy Complications
Gum disease linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase gum disease risk.
Alzheimer's Disease
Research suggests connection between gum disease bacteria and cognitive decline. More studies needed but promising link.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Strong connection—same inflammatory process. People with RA are 8x more likely to have gum disease.
Prevention is Key
Gum disease is preventable and, if caught early, reversible. Daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits are your best defense. Protect your gums—protect your health!