Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, including your gums, the ligaments holding teeth in place, and the jawbone beneath. It starts with plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. When plaque isn't removed through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it hardens into tartar that builds up along the gumline and eventually below it.
From there, the bacteria begin to irritate and infect the gum tissue. Left untreated, the infection spreads deeper, destroying the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. This is how gum disease becomes the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Gum disease is largely preventable and, when caught early, fully reversible.
Gingivitis (early stage). The earliest and mildest form. Signs include red, puffy, or tender gums that bleed when you brush or floss. At this stage, there is no bone loss and the damage is completely reversible with professional treatment and improved home care.
Mild to Moderate Periodontitis. The bacteria have moved below the gumline and the infection is now affecting the bone. Pockets form between the gums and teeth where bacteria hide beyond the reach of brushing. You may notice bad breath that doesn't go away, increased sensitivity, or your teeth looking slightly longer as gums begin to recede.
Advanced Periodontitis. The infection has caused significant bone and tissue loss. Teeth may feel loose or begin to shift. Treatment becomes more complex and the risk of tooth loss is real.
Many people have gum disease without knowing it. Warning signs include:
Gum disease is usually painless in the early stages. By the time it hurts, the damage is already significant. This is why routine check-ups, even when nothing feels wrong, are so valuable.
Some people are more susceptible to gum disease than others. Risk factors include:
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease.
Routine cleaning (for gingivitis). A thorough professional cleaning combined with improved home care is often all that's needed. Gingivitis at this stage is fully reversible.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). For more advanced gum disease, this involves carefully removing tartar deposits from below the gumline and smoothing the root surfaces so gum tissue can reattach. Done under local anesthetic and may be completed over 1 or 2 visits.
More frequent maintenance cleanings. Patients with a history of gum disease typically benefit from professional cleanings every 3 to 4 months rather than the standard every 6.
Monitoring and reassessment. After treatment, Dr. Hinman monitors your gum health at every visit, checking pocket depths, gum attachment, and bone levels over time.
Untreated gum disease has been linked to:
This is why we take gum disease seriously even at its earliest stage. It's not just a mouth issue.
A: The most reliable way is a professional exam. Dr. Hinman and Tara check for gum disease at every visit by measuring pocket depths, checking for bleeding, and reviewing X-rays. At home, watch for bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or sensitivity. If you notice any of these, call us rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit.
A: In its earliest stage (gingivitis), yes, completely reversible with professional treatment and consistent home care. Once it advances to periodontitis and bone loss has occurred, that damage can't be undone, but the disease can be controlled. Early detection makes all the difference.
A: Routine cleanings for mild gum disease are generally comfortable. For scaling and root planing, local anesthetic is used so the procedure is painless. You may experience some sensitivity and mild soreness for a few days afterward.
A: Gingivitis can often be addressed in a single cleaning appointment. Scaling and root planing is typically completed over 1 to 2 visits. Ongoing maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months are part of long-term management for most patients with a history of periodontitis.
A: Yes, which is why maintenance is so important. Regular professional cleanings, consistent home care, and avoiding risk factors like smoking are the most effective ways to keep it under control.
A: Most dental insurance plans cover some level of gum disease treatment. Routine cleanings are typically covered at 100%. Deep cleanings are usually covered at 50 to 80% depending on your plan. No insurance? Ask about our membership plan or financing options.
A: Yes. Gum disease is painless in its early stages, which is precisely what makes it dangerous. By the time it hurts, significant damage has often already occurred. Treating it early is always the better outcome.
