Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. It often begins silently, with mild symptoms such as bleeding gums, but without proper treatment it can damage the gums, supporting bone, and tissues that keep your teeth in place.

The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment can help stop the progression of the disease, preserve your natural teeth, and improve your long-term oral health.

At BlueNetHospitals, our Dentists in the Odontology Department provide comprehensive periodontal care, using evidence-based treatments to restore healthy gums and help prevent tooth loss.

Periodontitis is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the tissues supporting your teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and jawbone.

It usually begins as gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease caused by plaque buildup around the teeth.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. As the infection spreads below the gumline, it damages the bone and connective tissues that hold the teeth in place, eventually causing loose teeth and, in advanced cases, tooth loss.

The primary cause of periodontitis is dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth.

When plaque is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (dental calculus). Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush and requires professional dental cleaning.

As bacteria accumulate beneath the gums, they trigger inflammation that progressively damages the surrounding tissues and bone.

Several factors increase the risk of developing periodontitis.

Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors. It weakens the body's ability to fight infection and reduces the effectiveness of periodontal treatment.

People with poorly controlled diabetes are more likely to develop gum infections because elevated blood sugar affects the body's immune response.

Pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can make the gums more sensitive and increase the risk of gum inflammation.

Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque and tartar to accumulate, increasing the risk of periodontal disease.

Some people are genetically more susceptible to severe gum disease despite maintaining good oral hygiene.

Diseases that affect the immune system, along with certain medications, may increase the likelihood of developing periodontitis.

Stress can weaken the immune system and make it more difficult for the body to control bacterial infections.

Periodontal disease often develops gradually, and symptoms may be mild during the early stages.

Common signs include:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Tender gums
• Receding gums
• Teeth that appear longer than before
• Pain while chewing
• Loose teeth
• Spaces developing between teeth
• Pus between the teeth and gums

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental evaluation as soon as possible.

You should see a Dentist if you experience:

• Frequent gum bleeding
• Persistent bad breath
• Swollen or receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Pain while chewing
• Changes in your bite
• Significant tartar buildup

Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve your natural teeth and prevent irreversible damage.

A Dentist will perform a comprehensive periodontal evaluation.

This may include:

The depth of the spaces between the teeth and gums (periodontal pockets) is measured to determine the severity of the disease.

X-rays help evaluate bone loss around the teeth and identify areas affected by periodontal disease.

Your Dentist will check whether any teeth have become loose due to bone loss.

These findings help create a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease.

This is the most common nonsurgical treatment for periodontitis.

The procedure removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline while smoothing the tooth roots to reduce bacterial buildup and promote gum healing.

In selected cases, laser-assisted periodontal therapy may also be recommended.

After active treatment, regular periodontal maintenance appointments are essential to prevent the disease from returning.

Professional cleanings and ongoing monitoring help maintain healthy gums over time.

Advanced cases of periodontitis may require specialized surgical procedures to reduce periodontal pockets or regenerate damaged bone and soft tissue.

Your Dentist will determine the most appropriate treatment based on your individual needs.

Yes. Most cases can be prevented with consistent oral hygiene and regular dental care.

Healthy habits include:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss every day.
• Schedule regular professional dental cleanings.
• Avoid smoking.
• Keep diabetes under control.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Visit your Dentist for routine checkups.

Preventive care remains the best way to protect your gums and preserve your smile.

Healthy gums are essential not only for your oral health but also for your overall well-being.

Research has shown that periodontitis is associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Maintaining healthy gums can play an important role in supporting your general health.

At BlueNetHospitals, our Dentists in the Odontology Department diagnose and treat gingivitis, periodontitis, and other gum diseases using advanced technology and personalized treatment plans.

Our goal is to restore healthy gums, preserve your natural teeth, and improve your long-term oral health.

If you have bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth, an early evaluation can help prevent tooth loss and restore your oral health.

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Our experienced Dentists in the Odontology Department are committed to helping you achieve healthier gums and a healthier smile.

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that damages the gums, supporting tissues, and bone around the teeth. Without treatment, it can lead to tooth loss.

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can usually be reversed. Periodontitis cannot always be completely reversed, but it can be successfully treated and managed to prevent further damage.

Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gum inflammation and should not be ignored. A dental evaluation can help determine the underlying cause.

Yes. As periodontitis progresses, it destroys the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, which can eventually lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.

Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to promote healing.

Most people benefit from a dental cleaning every six months. However, patients with periodontal disease may require more frequent maintenance visits based on their Dentist's recommendations.

At BlueNetHospitals, our Dentists in the Odontology Department provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for gingivitis, periodontitis, bleeding gums, and other periodontal conditions in Los Cabos.