Gum Disease - What Is It?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, refers to an infection affecting the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.

Surprising fact: Around 85% of adults in the United States experience some level of gum disease, making it one of the most widespread health issues in the country—more prevalent than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.

Early Stage - Gingivitis

The earliest stage of gum disease begins when plaque starts piling up on your teeth. Then, thanks to the calcium in your saliva, the plaque toughens up into something called tartar, or calculus.

The not-so-great part… The germs living in this plaque and calculus affect your gum tissue. In response, your body goes into overdrive, launching an inflammatory attack and sending in white blood cells to wipe out the bacteria, causing your gums to bleed when you brush and floss.

Advanced Stage - Periodontitis

Left untreated, gum disease progresses into what’s called periodontitis. When this happens, calculus deposits don't just stay on the surface—they venture below your gum line. This separation causes the formation of periodontal pockets, where the gums pull away a bit from the teeth, supporting bone, and ligament.

As this condition persists, the infection and those pockets may deepen, gradually eroding the jawbone. The results of untreated periodontitis can result in loose teeth or, unfortunately, tooth loss.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease can present with any number of symptoms… or no symptoms at all! If you suffer from any of the following, give us a call right away so we can conduct an examination to determine and treat your symptoms before they become too severe.

Pain when chewing

Sensitive teeth or gums

Swollen and/or bleeding gums

Gaps between teeth and gums

Bad breath

Loose teeth

Receding gums