Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions in the United States—and one of the most preventable. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Yet despite how widespread it is, many people don’t realize they have it until the condition has progressed.
The good news? When caught early, gum disease is highly treatable and even reversible. Understanding the stages of gum disease and knowing what to look for can help you take action before permanent damage occurs. Here’s what you need to know to protect your smile.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It’s caused by plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional. Over time, the bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate the gums, triggering inflammation and infection.
Left untreated, gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. Research has linked periodontal disease to serious systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Taking care of your gums is an investment in your overall health.
Gum disease progresses through distinct stages, each with its own characteristics and treatment options. The earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to treat.
Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. At this stage, the infection is limited to the gums and hasn’t yet affected the bone or connective tissues that hold your teeth in place.
Common signs of gingivitis include red, swollen, or puffy gums, gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, and gums that appear shiny or tender.
The good news about gingivitis is that it’s completely reversible. With improved oral hygiene at home and a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, your gums can return to full health. This is the critical window for intervention—once gum disease progresses beyond this stage, the damage becomes permanent.
Noticing any of these warning signs? Don’t wait. Contact Arizona Smile Designers or call (928) 634-8610 to schedule an evaluation.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to early periodontitis. At this stage, the infection begins to spread below the gum line. The bacteria start to attack the bone and fibers that support your teeth, causing irreversible damage.
Signs of early periodontitis include increased gum bleeding, gums that begin to pull away from the teeth (recession), the formation of periodontal pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums), slight bone loss visible on dental X-rays, and ongoing bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
While the damage at this stage cannot be fully reversed, it can be managed and prevented from worsening. Treatment typically involves a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots to help the gums reattach.
As gum disease continues to progress, the destruction of bone and tissue becomes more significant. Moderate periodontitis is characterized by deeper periodontal pockets (typically 5-7 millimeters), noticeable gum recession, teeth that may begin to feel loose, increased sensitivity, visible bone loss on X-rays, and pus between the teeth and gums.
At this stage, more aggressive treatment is necessary. In addition to scaling and root planing, your dentist may recommend antibiotic therapy, laser treatment, or other periodontal procedures to control the infection and preserve as much bone and tissue as possible.
Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of gum disease. By this point, significant bone loss has occurred, and tooth loss becomes a real possibility—or may have already happened.
Symptoms of advanced periodontitis include severe gum recession, deep periodontal pockets (7 millimeters or more), loose or shifting teeth, tooth loss, painful chewing, and significant changes in bite alignment.
Treatment for advanced periodontitis often requires surgical intervention, such as flap surgery, bone grafts, or tissue regeneration procedures. In some cases, teeth that cannot be saved may need to be extracted and replaced with dental implants or other restorations.
Concerned about the health of your gums? Request an appointment with our Cottonwood dental team or call (928) 634-8610 today.
While poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of gum disease, several other factors can increase your risk. These include smoking or tobacco use (one of the most significant risk factors), diabetes, hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause, certain medications that reduce saliva flow, genetic predisposition, poor nutrition, stress, and teeth grinding or clenching.
Understanding your personal risk factors can help you and your dental team develop a prevention plan tailored to your needs.
The best treatment for gum disease is preventing it from developing in the first place. Here’s how to keep your gums healthy for life.
Brush twice daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and brush for at least two minutes each time. Be sure to brush along the gum line, where plaque tends to accumulate.
Floss every day. Brushing alone can’t reach the spaces between your teeth. Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles from these areas, reducing your risk of gum disease.
Don’t skip dental checkups. Professional cleanings remove tartar that you can’t eliminate at home, and regular exams allow your dentist to catch gum disease in its earliest stages. Most patients benefit from cleanings every six months, though some may need more frequent visits.
Quit smoking. Tobacco use dramatically increases your risk of gum disease and makes treatment less effective. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health.
Eat a balanced diet. Nutrients like vitamin C and calcium support gum health. Limit sugary snacks and beverages, which fuel the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Manage health conditions. If you have diabetes or other conditions that affect your gum health, work with your healthcare providers to keep them well-controlled.
Know the warning signs. Pay attention to changes in your gums. If you notice bleeding, swelling, recession, or persistent bad breath, schedule a dental appointment promptly.
Gum disease is often called a “silent” condition because it can progress without causing significant pain. Many people don’t realize they have it until substantial damage has already occurred. That’s why regular dental visits are so important—your dentist can identify early signs of gum disease that you might not notice on your own.
At Arizona Smile Designers, Dr. Vergara and Dr. Lord use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate your gum health and create personalized treatment plans. Whether you need a routine cleaning or more advanced periodontal care, our team is here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.
Ready to take control of your gum health? Schedule your appointment online or call Arizona Smile Designers at (928) 634-8610. We proudly serve patients in Cottonwood, Sedona, Camp Verde, Clarkdale, and throughout Northern Arizona.
