Video Breakdown: What Is the Cause of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is one of the most talked-about dental conditions, yet it remains one of the least understood. We’re told to brush, floss, and visit the dentist to avoid it, but the details often stay vague. Many people know it’s something bacteria can cause, but few understand how gum disease actually begins or what early changes to look for. These questions often go unanswered, leaving people aware of the risk but unsure of what it really means. Before exploring how gum disease is treated, it helps to understand what happens when the gums start to change.

What Is the Cause of Gum Disease?

Gum disease develops gradually, often starting with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. When plaque isn’t removed through consistent brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it hardens into tartar. This buildup irritates the gums and leads to inflammation, which is the earliest stage of gum disease known as gingivitis. If left untreated, the inflammation can progress deeper into the tissues and bone that support the teeth, resulting in periodontitis.

While oral hygiene is essential, other factors also influence gum health. Some people are genetically predisposed to developing gum disease, meaning their immune systems may react more strongly to bacteria or struggle to control inflammation. Age can also increase risk, as gums naturally recede and bone density decreases over time. In addition, crowded or misaligned teeth can make it harder to clean effectively, allowing bacteria to collect in hard-to-reach areas.

Lifestyle choices and overall wellness contribute as well. High levels of stress, poor sleep, and frequent consumption of sugary foods can weaken the body’s defenses and make it more difficult to fight infection.

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

The early signs of gum disease often appear subtly but should never be ignored. Red, swollen, or tender gums are among the first indicators that bacteria are beginning to irritate the gum tissue. Bleeding during brushing or flossing is another early warning sign. At this stage, known as gingivitis, bacteria in plaque release toxins that inflame the gums. You might also notice a lingering bad taste or odor, which occurs when bacteria continue to grow around the gumline.

If gum disease is not treated, the inflammation deepens and leads to early periodontitis. As plaque hardens into tartar, it collects below the gumline, where brushing and flossing cannot reach. The body’s immune response to these bacteria causes the gums to recede, creating small pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets trap more bacteria, worsening the infection and increasing tenderness and bleeding.

As the disease progresses, the infection begins to damage the bone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place. Over time, teeth can loosen, shift, or become painful to bite with. Without treatment, this damage becomes permanent, resulting in tooth loss and further complications for both oral and overall health.

How Do You Treat Gum Disease?

Treating gum disease starts with removing the bacteria and buildup that cause inflammation. In its early stage, gingivitis can often be reversed with a professional dental cleaning. During this visit, we remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and along the gumline. At home, consistent brushing and flossing with fluoride toothpaste helps keep the gums clean and allows them to heal.

If the condition has progressed to periodontitis, treatment becomes more involved. We perform scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that targets bacteria beneath the gums and smooths the tooth roots. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth and limits future buildup. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to control the infection and promote healing.

Advanced periodontitis may require surgical care. Procedures like flap surgery allow us to access deeper areas around the roots for thorough cleaning.

When gum disease results in tooth loss, restorative treatments such as dental implants or bridges can replace missing teeth and restore function. After treatment, ongoing maintenance visits every 3 to 4 months are essential to prevent the disease from returning and protect the long-term health of your gums and teeth.

Support the Foundation of Your Smile

Healthy gums are the foundation of a strong, lasting smile. Consistent care, regular checkups, and early treatment can make a lasting difference in your oral health. If you’ve noticed changes in your gums or want to learn more about prevention and treatment options, contact our office today.