Gum Disease: Causes, Signs, and Risks for Your Smile and Health

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and is much more than “just a little bleeding when you brush.” It is a chronic infection that damages the gums and can eventually affect the bone that supports your teeth—often without causing pain in the early stages. With early detection and good daily habits, many patients can slow or stop its progression and keep their natural teeth much longer.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease most often starts with plaque, a thin, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth when food particles mix with bacteria in the mouth. If plaque is not removed effectively with daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which tightly adheres to the teeth and cannot be removed at home.

Professional dental cleanings are the most effective way to remove tartar that has built up along and under the gumline. Between visits, brushing twice a day and flossing once a day help keep plaque levels down and reduce how quickly tartar forms. When tartar and bacteria remain on the teeth for too long, they irritate the gum tissue, leading to inflammation and infection.

Early signs of gum disease

Because gum disease is usually painless at first, many people do not realize there is a problem until it has progressed. If you notice any of the following, it is important to schedule a dental exam:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Gums that look like they are pulling away from the teeth
• Teeth that feel loose or a change in how your teeth fit together

The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. At this point, the inflammation is limited to the gums, and with excellent home care and professional cleanings, gingivitis is often reversible. If it is not treated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis (periodontal disease), a more advanced stage where the supporting bone and ligaments around the teeth begin to break down.

Why periodontal disease matters for overall health

Advanced periodontal disease can lead to bone loss around the teeth, gum recession, and eventually tooth loss if it is not managed. In addition to affecting your smile, chewing, and comfort, untreated gum disease has been linked to several systemic health concerns, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, and kidney disease. While gum disease does not directly “cause” these conditions, chronic inflammation and oral bacteria may contribute to overall health risks.

Who is at higher risk?

Nearly 47 percent of adults over age 30 in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, and the percentage increases with age. The condition tends to worsen over time if it is not addressed, but a diagnosis does not mean you are destined to lose your teeth. Many people successfully slow the disease and keep their smiles healthy with consistent home care and recommended periodontal treatments.

Factors that can increase the risk or severity of gum disease include:
• Inconsistent brushing and flossing
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Certain medications that cause dry mouth
• Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or menopause)
• Family history of gum disease

How to protect your gums

Staying up to date with dental cleanings and exams is one of the best ways to protect your gums. Dentists and hygienists are trained to spot early signs of gum disease—such as pocketing around the teeth or subtle changes in tissue—that patients often do not see or feel. When gum disease is detected early, your dental team can recommend a tailored plan, which may include deeper cleanings (scaling and root planing), more frequent maintenance visits, and specific home care strategies.

Healthy gums also depend on what you do every day at home. Aim to:
• Brush for at least two minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once a day to clean between teeth and under the gumline
• Avoid tobacco products
• Work with your medical provider to manage conditions like diabetes

At Middleburg Smiles in Middleburg, VA, we help patients from Middleburg, Aldie, Ashburn, Purcellville, Marshall, The Plains, Philomont, Upperville, Leesburg, and across Loudoun County understand their gum health and create personalized plans to protect it. If you are noticing bleeding gums, bad breath, or changes in how your teeth feel, contact our office to schedule an evaluation and discuss the best next steps for your smile and overall health.