Healthy gums hold your teeth firmly in place. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is one of the most common reasons adults lose teeth, yet in its early stage it is usually painless and fully reversible.
Warning signs
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
- Red, swollen or tender gums.
- Bad breath that does not go away.
- Gums pulling back from the teeth, or teeth that feel loose.
How it is treated
Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. Early gum inflammation (gingivitis) is treated with a professional cleaning to remove plaque and hardened tartar, followed by better daily cleaning at home.
If the disease has reached below the gum line, the dentist cleans the root surfaces more deeply to remove bacteria and allow the gums to heal. Follow-up visits check that the gums are recovering.
Keeping gums healthy
Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, avoid tobacco, and keep regular check-ups. The team will show you the brushing and flossing technique that works best for your teeth.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. The dentist will recommend treatment after examining you.