HomeHealth TopicsMouth TeethGum Disease
Back to Mouth Teeth
Gum Disease
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Mouth Teeth

Gum Disease

Gum disease ranges from mild inflammation to severe tissue and bone damage, but early stages are often reversible with proper oral hygiene.

Overview

Many U.S. adults have some form of gum disease. It ranges from simple gum inflammation, known as gingivitis, to serious damage to the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. In the worst cases, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

Stages of Gum Disease

  • Gingivitis: A mild form of gum disease where the gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. This is usually reversible with daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist.
  • Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. Without treatment, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, is typically reversible with consistent daily brushing and flossing, along with regular professional dental cleanings. However, once gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, the damage to the bone and tissues supporting the teeth is usually not reversible. At this stage, the goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the disease and manage its symptoms to prevent further damage and tooth loss.
The most effective prevention involves a combination of diligent daily oral hygiene and regular professional dental care. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove plaque and food debris, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, typically every six months, are crucial for removing hardened plaque (tartar) that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone.
If periodontitis is left untreated, the infection and inflammation can destroy the bone, gums, and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. This can lead to loosening of teeth, changes in your bite, and eventually, tooth loss. Untreated periodontitis has also been linked to other systemic health issues, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes complications.
The earliest signs of gingivitis include gums that are red, swollen, or tender to the touch. You might also notice that your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss. Persistent bad breath can also be an indicator. Often, gingivitis causes little to no pain, so it's important to pay attention to these visual and tactile changes in your gums.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss