Reviewed by Dr. Doug Heller
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Reading time: three minutes
Left untreated, gum disease can damage the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place, leading to loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. The earliest stage, gingivitis, is reversible. Once the disease progresses to periodontitis, professional treatment is needed to control it and protect the support your teeth still have.
With two convenient locations in Aurora and Centennial, Periodontal Associates provides comprehensive periodontal and implant care to patients throughout the Denver metro area.
Table of Contents
From Gingivitis to Periodontitis
Gingivitis starts when bacterial plaque collects along the gumline. Your gums may look red or swollen, or bleed when you brush and floss. At this stage, the inflammation affects the gums without damaging the supporting bone.
If gingivitis goes untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. Bacteria spread below the gumline, and ongoing inflammation begins to break down the tissues and bone around the teeth. The gums detach from the teeth, creating deeper spaces called periodontal pockets where bacteria can collect.
Not every case of gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. Still, recognizing the early signs of gum disease is important because the condition often causes little discomfort, even when damage is happening below the surface.
How Fast Does Gum Disease Progress?
There is no fixed timeline for gum disease to progress. Changes can happen slowly in some people and more quickly in others. You cannot tell how fast the disease is advancing by how your gums look or feel.
Factors that can affect progression include:
- Smoking or other tobacco use
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Genetic susceptibility
- Plaque buildup and inconsistent oral hygiene
A periodontal exam can identify damage you may not be able to see yourself. Comparing current findings with previous gum measurements and X-rays can also show whether the condition is worsening.
How Gum Disease Can Lead to Tooth Loss
The connection between gum disease and tooth loss comes down to lost support. As inflammation destroys more bone, teeth can become loose, shift position or fit together differently when you bite. With advanced gum disease, chewing may become difficult, and teeth with too little remaining support may need to be removed.
Signs that warrant an evaluation include:
- Gums that bleed regularly
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or exposed tooth roots
- Loose teeth or new spaces between teeth
- Changes in your bite
These symptoms do not establish a diagnosis or show how much damage has occurred. A periodontal exam can provide those answers.
The Connection Between Gum Disease and Overall Health
Tooth loss is not the only concern associated with untreated gum disease. Research has also found links between periodontal disease and systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Although these associations do not establish that gum disease directly causes these conditions, chronic inflammation may play a role.
Learn more about the link between gum disease and systemic health.
How Periodontal Treatment Can Help
Our periodontists, Dr. Heller, Dr. Beckman, Dr. Thousand and Dr. Brett, have advanced training in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the gums and supporting bone.
During a periodontal exam, we measure the pockets around your teeth, check for bleeding and recession, assess tooth stability and review X-rays for bone loss. We also discuss your health history and daily care routine. Together, these findings help us recommend treatment and explain the outlook for affected teeth.
Scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning, removes plaque and tartar below the gumline. When pockets are deeper or damage is more extensive, laser periodontal therapy or surgery may be recommended. In selected areas, regenerative procedures may help rebuild lost support.
After treatment, periodontal maintenance visits help manage bacterial buildup and allow us to check how your gums are responding. Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth support those results at home.
FAQ
Can untreated gum disease affect your overall health?
Gum disease has been associated with several systemic conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although research has identified links between periodontal inflammation and overall health, these associations do not necessarily mean gum disease directly causes other medical conditions.
Can gum disease cause bad breath, even if you brush regularly?
Yes. Bacteria that collect beneath the gumline can produce unpleasant odors that brushing and mouthwash may not eliminate. Persistent bad breath can be a sign of gum disease, particularly when it continues despite good oral hygiene.
Is gum disease contagious?
The bacteria associated with gum disease can be transferred through saliva, including through kissing or sharing utensils. However, exposure to these bacteria does not necessarily mean another person will develop gum disease. Oral hygiene, immune response, and other individual risk factors also influence whether the disease develops.
Periodontal Care in Aurora and Centennial, CO
If your gums keep bleeding or you have noticed recession or loose teeth, we can help you understand what is happening. Schedule a periodontal evaluation to discuss your gum health and treatment options.
To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Aurora, call (303) 755-4500. To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Centennial, call (303) 795-5700
