What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a gum infection that, left untreated, can damage the soft tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place — and it's far more common than most people realize, affecting a majority of adults to some degree at some point in life.
How it starts
Plaque that isn't removed through regular brushing and flossing hardens into tartar within days, which irritates and inflames the gums. This early stage, called gingivitis, is fully reversible with improved home care and a professional cleaning — the gums simply need the irritant removed to heal.
When it progresses
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, where the infection spreads below the gumline and begins to break down the bone and connective tissue that anchor each tooth. Unlike gingivitis, bone loss at this stage cannot be fully reversed, only managed and stabilized.
Warning signs
Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, even lightly
Redness, puffiness, or tenderness along the gumline
Persistent bad breath that doesn't resolve with brushing
Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth, making teeth look longer
Teeth that feel loose, shift position, or develop new gaps
Risk factors worth knowing
Smoking, which significantly increases both risk and severity
Diabetes, which can make gum infections harder to control
Hormonal changes, including pregnancy
Genetics — some people are simply more prone to it regardless of hygiene habits
Certain medications that reduce saliva flow
Treatment options
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) for early to moderate cases
Antimicrobial treatments used alongside cleaning
Gum surgery or grafting for more advanced bone or tissue loss
Ongoing maintenance cleanings, often every 3–4 months instead of the standard six
Prevention
Regular checkups catch this early, when it's easiest to reverse or halt. If it's been over six months since your last cleaning — or if you've noticed any of the warning signs above — that's the simplest place to start.
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