Inflammation of the gums caused by plaque build-up — mild and reversible at first, but can progress to affect the bone supporting teeth.
Gum disease begins as gingivitis — inflamed, sometimes bleeding gums caused by plaque build-up along the gumline — and if untreated, can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage that affects the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. Gingivitis is fully reversible with good oral hygiene; periodontitis requires more active treatment to control.
The root cause is plaque that isn't adequately removed through brushing and flossing, which hardens into tartar that irritates and inflames the gums. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, and certain medications can all make gum disease more likely or more severe.
Gingivitis typically improves within weeks of consistent brushing, flossing and professional cleaning. More advanced periodontitis requires deeper cleaning below the gumline (scaling and root planing) and closer ongoing monitoring, since damage to the supporting bone doesn't fully reverse on its own.
Book with us: our scaling & polishing service treats early gum disease directly.
