WatchGum Disease

Gum disease: how it starts, its stages, and how we treat it

Most people don't realize they have gum disease until it's well underway, yet more than 75% of adults over 35 have some form of it. Periodontitis begins quietly: plaque hardens into tartar along the gumline, the gums grow inflamed, and over time the bacteria attack the bone that holds your teeth in place. Left untreated, it's the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.

This video shows exactly how gum disease develops, beginning with its earliest sign (gingivitis: red, swollen, easily-bleeding gums) and moving through the more advanced stages where pockets form between the teeth and gums. Watch, too, for other warning signs: chronic bad breath, gums pulling away from the teeth, and teeth that feel loose or shift position.

Here's what makes early action so important: gingivitis is reversible. Once it progresses into full periodontal disease, the damage can be controlled but not undone, which is why catching it at a regular checkup matters so much. Treatment usually starts with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing to remove the bacteria below the gumline.

From there, ongoing periodontal maintenance visits keep the disease from coming back. So if you notice any of the warning signs, please schedule an evaluation at Way Dental. The sooner we intervene, the more of your natural smile we can preserve.

Read the video transcript