WatchGum Disease

Gum disease explained: the warning signs, the stages, and our treatment

Gum disease quietly affects more than 75% of adults over 35, and most don't catch it until it's well underway. Periodontitis builds in stages: plaque hardens into tartar along the gumline, the gums become inflamed, and over time the bacteria eat away at the bone that holds your teeth in place. Left untreated, it ranks as the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.

Watch the video to see how gum disease unfolds, beginning with gingivitis (the red, swollen gums that bleed at the slightest touch) and advancing to the stage where pockets open up between the teeth and gums. Keep an eye out for the other red flags too: persistent bad breath, gums that pull away from the teeth, and teeth that loosen or shift position.

The reason early detection matters so much comes down to this: gingivitis can be reversed, but once it advances into full periodontal disease the damage can only be managed, not erased. A routine checkup is where we catch it in time. From there, treatment generally begins with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing that clears the bacteria from below the gumline.

Once treatment is complete, regular periodontal maintenance visits hold the disease at bay. Spotting any of the warning signs above is reason enough to book an evaluation at Brammeier Family Dental, because the earlier we step in, the more of your natural smile stays yours.

Read the video transcript