Gum disease

When we aren’t brushing and flossing like we should, plaque (that sticky film of bacteria that coats our teeth) begins to harden into tartar, pushing our gums away from our teeth and allowing bacteria to get inside where it can cause some serious damage. Your Forever Dental care team can help.

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How does gum disease start?

Gum disease starts with a build up of plaque near the gum line of your teeth. It’s a fairly common issue that affects nearly half (47.2%) of all adults over age 30.¹ Whether you have early symptoms of gingivitis or are experiencing the more advanced stages of periodontal disease, we can help guide you through the various stages of gum disease.

¹Source: Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Gum disease symptoms

Look for these common symptoms of gum disease when assessing your own oral health:

Red or swollen gums

Seeing red when you open your mouth? This could be a sign of inflammation.

Bleeding gums

If this happens when you brush or floss, you could have gum disease.

Tender or sensitive gums

You experience discomfort when touching or applying pressure to your gums.

Bad breath (halitosis)

What stinks? Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with hygiene care.

Gum recession

Receding gums mean that your gums are pulling away from your teeth, exposing more of their surface or roots.

Types of gum disease

Gum disease advances in stages—so it’s important to know the difference between them:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease is caused by plaque buildup and typically happens when you aren’t brushing and flossing enough. You may need a gingivitis scaling to remove the infectious build-up that is causing the inflammation. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed. If you notice red, swollen or bleeding gums, be more diligent with your oral care routine and schedule a visit to your local Forever Dental for a professional cleaning.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis is the more severe form of gum disease, when the gums and bone begin to pull away from your teeth allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection. This can cause irreversible damage to the bone that holds your teeth in place and eventually lead to tooth loss and other oral health conditions. This stage requires professional intervention.

What causes gum disease?

Know the factors behind your condition.

Poor oral hygiene
Smoking and tobacco use
Genetics
Poor nutrition
Menopause and pregnancy hormones
Diabetes and other autoimmune diseases

Gum disease treatment

It’s important that you see your Forever Dental care team to receive treatment for gum disease and stop further damage.
They may recommend the following treatment options:

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Periodontal dental cleaning

This specialized cleaning goes beyond regular dental cleanings, targeting areas below the gumline where harmful bacteria thrive. This is also known as scaling and root planing.

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Antibacterial mouthwashes

Your dentist may recommend adding a prescription mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine to help control bacterial growth and reduce inflammation.

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Prescription antibiotics

In some cases, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to target specific bacterial infections and promote the healing of gum tissues.

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Maintenance cleaning

Regular dental check-ups are the best way to prevent and fight gum disease. During a dental cleaning, your care team will remove plaque and tartar below the gum line, reducing bacterial growth and promoting gum health.

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Gum surgery

For advanced stages of gum disease, surgical interventions may be necessary to repair and regenerate damaged gum and bone tissues.

Gum disease surgery

Gum disease surgery is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing, do not effectively address the problem. Your Forever Dental care team will recommend this to eliminate the infection, reduce pocket depth between gums and teeth and regenerate damaged tissues.
Some gum disease surgery options may include:

Flap surgery (pocket reduction surgery)

During flap surgery, the gums are carefully lifted back to expose the tooth roots and underlying bone. The dentist then removes the tartar and plaque, reducing the depth of the gum pockets so the gum tissue can better reattach to the tooth surface.

Bone grafts

In severe cases of gum disease where the supporting bone is significantly damaged, bone grafts may be used. Bone grafting involves placing synthetic or natural bone material in the affected area to stimulate bone regrowth and support the teeth.

Soft tissue grafts

Tissue from the roof of the mouth or a donor source is grafted onto the affected areas to restore gum tissue volume and enhance aesthetics.

Guided tissue regeneration

Often combined with flap surgery or bone grafts. A barrier membrane is placed between the gums and bone to prevent gum tissue from growing into the bone space, allowing bone cells to regenerate and restore lost bone support.

Caring for gum disease at home

Taking care of your gums is crucial for preventing gum disease and keeping your smile happy and healthy.

Essential prevention tips

Brush & floss twice daily
Use antimicrobial mouthwash
Get annual dental checkups
Avoid tobacco
Skip sugary foods & drinks
Stay hydrated
Watch for gum changes

Gingivitis FAQs

What causes gingivitis?

Gingivitis is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene. When regular brushing and flossing are neglected, plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—accumulates on the teeth and gums. This buildup irritates the gum tissue, leading to gingivitis. Other factors such as smoking, hormonal changes, stress, certain medications and medical conditions can also contribute to its development.

How to cure gingivitis in a week?

Regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups not only maintain oral health but also contribute to overall health. Good oral hygiene can prevent infections and reduce the risk of systemic diseases.

What does gingivitis look like?

Symptoms include red, swollen gums that may bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing. Additionally, you might notice a change in gum color from healthy pink to a reddish-purple hue.

Is gingivitis contagious?

No, gingivitis is not contagious. Gingivitis is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar, which leads to bacterial growth and gum irritation. You can, however, swap the bacteria responsible for gingivitis through the exchange of saliva, although that won’t necessarily mean the other person will develop gum disease.

Is there any connection between gingivitis and pregnancy?

Yes, during pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to increased blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and prone to inflammation.

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Protect your smile from gingivitis

Act now to prevent or reverse the effects of gingivitis. Start with a healthy oral hygiene routine and a visit to your local Forever Dental for a professional dental cleaning. Your dentist will let you know if additional steps need to be taken. Make your appointment today.

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