Written and medically reviewed byDr. Pranav KharodGeneral Dentist · Updated What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection that starts in the gums. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research on gum disease describes it as “an infection that causes inflammation of the tissues that hold your teeth in place.” It’s a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
The tricky part is how quietly it starts. As the Canadian Dental Association on gum diseases puts it, “Gum disease often develops slowly and without causing any pain.” Many people only notice a little blood in the sink and don’t think much of it.
Early Signs of Gum Disease
Your gums usually give you warning before any real damage is done. The Cleveland Clinic’s guide to gum (periodontal) disease lists these symptoms:
- Reddish or purplish gums
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Soreness
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- An unpleasant taste
- Pain when chewing
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
The Canadian Dental Association on gum diseases also suggests watching for “shiny, puffy or sore gums” and “teeth that are sensitive for no reason.” Bleeding gums are the sign people ignore most often. Healthy gums don’t usually bleed from normal brushing, so treat it as a signal to book a checkup.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease moves through stages. The earlier it’s found, the simpler the treatment. This table follows the stages described by the Cleveland Clinic’s guide to gum (periodontal) disease.
| Stage | What happens | Signs | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gingivitis | Plaque irritates the gums; no bone damage yet | Red, puffy gums that bleed when you brush or floss | Professional cleaning and better daily brushing and flossing |
| Mild periodontitis | Bacteria spread below the gums and start to affect the bone that supports the teeth | Bleeding, bad breath, gums starting to pull away | Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) |
| Moderate periodontitis | Bacteria erode the ligaments, soft tissue and bone | Deeper pockets, receding gums, sensitivity | Deep cleaning plus regular periodontal cleanings |
| Advanced periodontitis | Bone loss continues | Loose or shifting teeth, pain when chewing | Deep cleaning and ongoing care; surgery or grafting from a periodontist |
At the first stage, the Cleveland Clinic’s guide to gum (periodontal) disease says gingivitis “starts with red, puffy gums that may bleed when you brush or floss.” By the moderate stage, “bacteria begin to erode the ligaments, soft tissues and bone.”
What Causes Gum Disease?
Plaque is the main culprit. According to the Cleveland Clinic’s guide to gum (periodontal) disease, “Buildup of dental plaque is the No. 1 cause of periodontal disease.” Plaque that isn’t brushed and flossed away hardens into tartar, which only a dental professional can remove.
Some things make gum disease more likely:
- Smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases
- Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy
- Stress
- Genetics
Your gums matter beyond your mouth, too. The Cleveland Clinic’s guide to gum (periodontal) disease notes that “There’s a link between gum disease and other health issues like heart disease, stroke and diabetes.”
Early Gum Recession: What to Look For
Gum recession means the gum line pulls back and shows more of the tooth, sometimes down to the root. Gum disease is one common cause. Brushing too hard, grinding your teeth and genetics can also play a part.
Early gum recession is easy to miss because it happens slowly. Look for:
- Teeth that look longer than they used to
- A notch or ridge you can feel near the gum line
- Sensitivity to cold drinks or sweets on one or two teeth
- Small dark triangles opening up between teeth
Receding gums don’t grow back on their own, so the goal is to stop recession early. That means treating any gum disease, switching to a soft brush and a gentle technique, and wearing a night guard if you clench or grind at night. If a lot of gum has already been lost, a gum graft can cover exposed roots. If you need gum surgery or grafting, we refer you to a periodontist.
Gum Disease Treatment by Stage
Gum disease treatment depends on how far things have gone. The Cleveland Clinic’s guide to gum (periodontal) disease explains that options range from better home care and scaling and root planing through to surgery and grafts.
Gingivitis. A regular professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar, and your hygienist will show you where your brushing and flossing miss. The Cleveland Clinic’s guide to gum (periodontal) disease says, “If you detect gingivitis early enough, you can reverse it with regular dental cleaning and diligent oral hygiene.”
Periodontitis. This needs more than a standard cleaning:
- Gum assessment: we measure the pockets between your gums and teeth and take X-rays to check the bone.
- Scaling and root planing: this deep cleaning removes tartar from below the gumline and smooths the roots so the gums can reattach. It usually takes one or two visits, with the area numbed. Your gums may feel tender for a few days afterwards.
- Periodontal maintenance: cleanings every three to four months help keep the infection under control.
Advanced cases. If you need gum surgery or grafting, we refer you to a periodontist. Teeth that are lost to gum disease can often be replaced with dental implants once the gums are healthy again. You can read more about how we handle gum disease treatment in Mississauga.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Most gum disease is preventable with steady daily habits. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research on gum disease recommends “Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste” and “Flossing regularly to remove plaque from between teeth.” A few more tips:
- Use a soft-bristled brush and angle it toward the gum line
- Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes
- Don’t smoke, or get help to quit
- Keep diabetes well managed if you have it
- Keep up regular checkups and cleanings so tartar doesn’t build up
The Ontario Dental Association on gum disease has more practical advice on keeping your gums healthy at home.
When to See a Dentist
Book a visit if your gums bleed every time you brush, stay swollen or sore, or if you notice bad breath that won’t go away, receding gums or a tooth that feels loose. Don’t wait for pain. Gum disease rarely hurts until it’s well along.
River Run Dental Centre is at 11-1525 Bristol Rd W in Mississauga and is open seven days a week, with evening and Sunday appointments. We direct bill most insurance plans and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
Gum Disease: Frequently Asked Questions
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can be reversed with a professional cleaning and good brushing and flossing at home. Once it becomes periodontitis, bone loss can’t be undone, but treatment such as deep cleaning and regular periodontal care can stop it from getting worse.
Is bleeding when I floss normal?
A little bleeding can happen if you’ve just started flossing, and it often settles within a week or two of flossing daily. Gums that bleed every time you brush or floss are a common early sign of gum disease and are worth having checked.
Can receding gums grow back?
No. Gum tissue that has receded doesn’t regrow on its own. Treating gum disease and brushing gently can stop it from getting worse. To cover exposed roots, a gum graft is needed, which is specialist treatment; if you need it, we refer you to a periodontist.
How often do I need a deep cleaning?
Scaling and root planing is usually done once to treat active gum disease, over one or two visits. After that, most people with periodontitis need periodontal cleanings every three to four months to keep it under control. Your hygienist will suggest a schedule based on your gums.
Does insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Many dental plans cover gum treatment such as scaling and root planing, but coverage varies by plan. We direct bill most insurance plans and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), and we can check your coverage before treatment starts.
Ready to talk about your smile?
Book a consultation at River Run Dental Centre in Mississauga. We’ll check your teeth, explain your options and costs, and bill your insurance directly. Open 7 days, including evenings and Sundays.
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