What Are Gum Disease Symptoms?

One of the most common oral health problems in the United States is also one of the most easily prevented. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a slowly progressing infection in the gums. Almost half of adults in the United States have some form of gum disease. Thankfully, if identified early enough, gum disease can be easily reversed with the right oral hygiene habits and care. There are also many effective oral health treatments that can be used to reverse and repair damage done by more serious gum disease. Below is more detailed information on what exactly gum disease is, common symptoms of gum disease, and what to do if you think you have it.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection and resulting inflammation that affects the supporting tissues around the gums. In the early stages, gum disease can cause milder symptoms, but if it is left untreated, the disease can progress over time and cause more significant damage, such as tooth loss. More recently, gum disease has also been found to increase the risk for more serious health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Plaque is a substance made up of bacteria that sticks to and builds up on the teeth. When plaque is allowed to build up over time, it can cause the gums to become irritated, inflamed, and eventually infected, causing gum disease. Common causes of gum disease include:

Poor oral hygiene, including not brushing daily
A poor diet, including high sugar intake
Smoking and tobacco use
Stress

The most effective way to avoid gum disease is to make sure to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice and flossing daily.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease slowly progresses over time, occurring in two stages:

The first stage occurs when plaque is allowed to build up around the gum line, causing irritation to the gum tissue. For many adults, there are no obvious symptoms of this first stage, called gingivitis. For others, the gums will appear reddish and inflamed, and will bleed when flossing or brushing.
Gingivitis will progress to the second stage, called periodontitis, if not treated properly. Periodontitis occurs when the plaque and bacteria move below the gum line. Under the gums, the plaque will irritate and infect the bone and tissues that support the teeth. Eventually, the irritated gums will recede and pull back from the teeth. Receded gums will expose the root of the tooth, and small pockets will begin to form between the gums and teeth.