Overview
Gum disease begins when plaque irritates the gum line. Early gingivitis can improve with good cleaning, but periodontitis affects the supporting bone around teeth and needs professional care. Tobacco, diabetes, pregnancy, and poor oral hygiene increase risk.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Bleeding gums are not normal when they happen regularly.
- ✓Periodontitis can be painless until teeth become loose.
- ✓Professional scaling removes tartar that brushing cannot remove.
- ✓Maintenance visits help prevent relapse after treatment.
What You Can Do At Home
- 1Brush the gum line gently twice daily.
- 2Clean between teeth every day.
- 3Stop tobacco in every form, including smokeless tobacco.
- 4Control diabetes and share medical updates with your dentist.
When To Book A Dentist
- !Bleeding, swelling, bad breath, or gum recession persists.
- !Teeth feel loose or spacing has changed.
- !You have diabetes or are pregnant and notice gum changes.
- !You have not had a professional cleaning in more than six months.
Emergency Warning Signs
- !Gum swelling with pus, fever, or facial swelling.
- !A tooth suddenly becomes very mobile after pain or swelling.