Gum disease isn’t curable, but it can be treated to reduce infection and rebuild tissue and bone. Treatments range from nonsurgical therapies that control bacterial growth to surgery that restores bone and tissue.

Red, swollen gums that bleed easily are the first warning signs of gum disease. If not treated, it can lead to more serious problems such as tooth loss.

Gingivitis

A person with gingivitis has red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushed or flossed. It is a mild form of gum disease that can be reversed with treatment by a dental professional and good oral hygiene habits at home.

The bacteria that cause gum disease collect on teeth and form a sticky film called plaque. When not removed, plaque hardens into tartar. Tartar traps more bacteria, and the gum tissue becomes inflamed, swollen, and irritated.

Gingivitis is easy to treat if caught early with regular dental cleanings, an oral hygienist, proper brushing and flossing, and cutting back on sugary foods. A healthy diet and avoiding smoking can also reduce the likelihood of developing gum disease.

Some medications can contribute to gum disease, including phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) for epileptic seizures, some calcium channel blockers used for angina and high blood pressure, and anticoagulants. Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy and menstruation, can also lead to swollen gums.

Periodontitis

During this stage, the bacteria attack the gum tissues and bone surrounding your teeth. It causes your gums to become puffy and red, and it leads to the formation of deep pockets between your teeth and gums. These pockets harbor bacteria, plaque and tartar, and they cause your gums to bleed when you brush or floss.

As the disease progresses, you can experience bone loss, tooth mobility and pain when chewing. You may also have crooked or missing teeth as a result of the disease. It’s important to seek treatment when you see these warning signs.

This is because untreated periodontitis can lead to serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It’s especially important to practice good oral hygiene to prevent periodontitis if you smoke or have certain health conditions that put you at greater risk of the condition. The condition can be hard to treat, but your dentist can help you manage it with proper care and routine dental visits.

Infections

Infections are most commonly caused by bacteria in a sticky film called plaque (pronounced GLUE) that builds up on teeth and around the gum line. This irritates and inflames gum tissue, causing the gums to appear red and puffy, and sometimes to bleed when you brush.

If this bacterial buildup is not removed with good daily brushing, flossing and rinsing habits and regular dental visits, it can harden into a substance called tartar. The resulting damage to gum tissue and bone can lead to severe gum disease, known as periodontitis.

Advanced forms of periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. Studies have also shown that the same bacteria that infect gums can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting other areas of the body such as the heart, lungs and joints. Research continues to study the links between systemic diseases and gum disease. Smoking can also interfere with the normal function of gum tissue cells and increase the chances for gum disease, so it is important to quit smoking.

Treatment

Many cases of mild gum disease can be treated with proper oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. Regular cleanings by your dentist or dental hygienist can help remove hardened plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth and below the gum line, reduce inflammation and promote healing.

More severe cases of gum disease, especially periodontitis, can be treated with antibiotics or corrective surgery. Inflammation and bacteria can be reduced with a deep cleaning of tooth roots below the gum line (scaling and root planing) and by placing bone and tissue grafts to regenerate lost tissues.

Other treatments can include laser therapy to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, as well as a mouth rinse with hydrogen peroxide to help control bacteria. A healthy diet – eliminating sugary and starchy foods, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoiding tobacco use – can also improve gum health. A periodontist, a gum specialist, can evaluate your symptoms and determine the best treatment for you.