Healthy gums do not bleed, do not recede, and do not smell. When any of that changes, your body is signaling inflammation. Caught at the gingivitis stage, it is fully reversible. Left alone, it advances to periodontitis, which damages the bone that holds your teeth and cannot be undone.
The progression is quiet, which is what makes it dangerous. Plaque hardens into tartar below the gumline, where a brush cannot reach, and pockets form that trap still more bacteria. You may notice bleeding when you floss, tender or puffy gums, persistent bad breath, or teeth that look longer as the gums pull back. Many people notice nothing until a checkup finds it.
Treatment depends on how far it has gone. Early cases respond to better home care and regular cleanings. Active disease calls for perio therapy — a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing — often followed by a tighter maintenance schedule of every three to four months. The resources below explain what to watch for and how we treat it.
In this guide
What is perio therapy?
Non-surgical treatment with scaling and root planing.
How to prevent gum disease
The daily habits that keep gums healthy.
Cleanings & checkups
Why the six-month rhythm matters.
In-depth articles
Why Are My Gums Bleeding? Causes and Fixes
Seeing red in the sink can be startling. While a little spotting might seem minor, it often signals an underlying issue that requires attention.
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: Know the Difference
Gum health determines more than just your smile. It affects your entire body's ability to fight infection.
Receding Gums: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Seeing more of your tooth root than usual can be unsettling. This condition, known as gum recession, often happens slowly without immediate pain.
Scaling and Root Planing: The Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease
Gum disease often starts quietly beneath the surface where a toothbrush cannot reach. Scaling and root planing offers a way to stop infection before it causes tooth loss.
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