Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS
Reading time: four minutes.
Gum disease might seem like a minor dental issue at first. However, left unchecked, it can evolve into a serious health threat that extends far beyond your mouth.
In this blog, you will learn how periodontal disease can impact your entire body, why early treatment matters, and whether gum disease ever truly goes away.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Gum Disease: More Than Just Bleeding Gums
- Stages of Gum Disease
- How Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Dental Implants Treats Gum Disease
- FAQs About Gum Disease
Key Takeaway
Gum disease can seriously impact your overall health by increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, and systemic infections. Early treatment and ongoing care are essential to reduce these risks and protect your long-term well-being.
Understanding Gum Disease: More Than Just Bleeding Gums
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the soft tissues that hold your teeth in place. It begins with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth.
If not removed through daily oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings, plaque can harden into tartar and lead to inflammation, infection, and damage to the gums and bone.
Can Gum Disease Kill You?
Gum disease is not a direct cause of death, but it can contribute to serious health problems that may become life-threatening over time.
When left untreated, gum disease can lead to chronic inflammation and allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, and other serious conditions.
Here is how it happens:
- Inflammation spreads: Gum disease triggers chronic inflammation, leading to systemic inflammation that can travel through the bloodstream and affect vital organs.
- Bacterial migration: Harmful bacteria responsible for gum infections can enter the bloodstream and reach the heart, contributing to cardiovascular disease and increasing the risk of heart disease.
- Systemic health risks: Studies have linked untreated gum disease to a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases, diabetes complications, and even certain cancers.
Learn more in our blog, Can Gum Disease Spread to Other Parts of the Body?
The Broader Impact of Gum Disease on Health
Untreated gum disease is a significant risk factor for systemic health conditions. Inflammation from gum disease can:
- Worsen blood sugar levels in diabetics
- Increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight
- Contribute to the development of respiratory issues
- Raise the likelihood of cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks
Maintaining healthy gums starts with daily brushing and flossing, eating a balanced diet, using antiseptic mouthwash when needed, and visiting your dentist regularly. These steps help prevent serious infections and support your overall health.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease develops in stages, and the earlier it’s caught, the better your chances of avoiding lasting damage. Here’s what happens at each stage:
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It causes redness, swelling, and bleeding in the gums, but no permanent damage has occurred yet. With daily brushing and flossing, along with professional cleanings, gingivitis is fully reversible.
- Early Periodontitis: At this stage, the infection begins to affect the bone and connective tissue around your teeth. You may not feel pain, but there may be signs like gum recession or persistent bad breath. While early periodontitis cannot be reversed, it can be controlled with deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), good home care, and regular periodontal visits.
- Moderate Periodontitis: As the disease progresses, bone loss continues and gum pockets deepen. You might notice loosening teeth or changes in your bite. This stage requires more intensive treatment, which may include localized antibiotics or surgery. The goal is to stop further damage and preserve your natural teeth.
- Advanced Periodontitis: In the most severe stage, the supporting structures of the teeth—gum tissue, ligaments, and bone—are severely compromised. Teeth may become loose or need to be removed. Treatment often involves surgery, bone grafting, or tooth replacement options like dental implants or dentures. Maintenance therapy every few months is essential to keep the disease from worsening.
| Can Gum Disease Go Away?Only gingivitis, the first stage, can truly go away with the right care. Once gum disease reaches periodontitis, it becomes a chronic condition. It can’t be cured, but it can be treated and managed with professional care and long-term maintenance. |
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Recognizing early symptoms of gum disease can save not only your teeth but also your systemic health. Watch out for:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Receding gum line
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pain when chewing
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a periodontal evaluation. Early intervention prevents the progression of gum disease and protects your oral health.
How Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Dental Implants Treats Gum Disease
Our approach to treatment includes:
- Detailed diagnostics: Thorough periodontal exams and digital imaging to assess disease severity and detect advanced stages of infection.
- Non-surgical treatments: Scaling and root planing to deeply clean below the gumline and remove oral bacteria.
- Surgical treatments: Flap surgery, bone grafts, and gum grafts when necessary to restore bone loss and stabilize tooth roots.
- Maintenance care: Regular periodontal cleanings to manage chronic inflammation and prevent recurrence.
We emphasize early diagnosis, proper oral hygiene routines, and tailored periodontal treatments to minimize the risk of complications and promote long-term gum health.
Book a Periodontal Exam in Highlands Ranch
Gum disease is not just a dental problem. It is a major health issue with wide-reaching consequences. If you notice early signs of gum disease or want a preventive evaluation, visit us at Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Dental Implants.
To book an exam at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, CO, call (303) 683-1144 or visit us at 9090 S Ridgeline Blvd. #225, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.
FAQs About Gum Disease
No, your life is not over if you have gum disease. However, it is crucial to take action. With prompt treatment, improved oral hygiene, and ongoing care, you can manage gum disease and significantly reduce its impact on your overall health.
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can go away with professional cleanings and improved daily care. Advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, cannot be completely cured but can be effectively managed with professional periodontal treatments.
You can reverse early gingivitis at home with better brushing, flossing, and antiseptic mouthwash use. However, once gum disease advances to periodontitis, you cannot reverse it at home. Professional intervention becomes necessary to control the disease and prevent further damage.