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What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

The term “periodontal” means “around the tooth.”  Periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis and gum disease) is a common inflammatory condition that affects the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the tooth, eventually affecting the jawbone itself in the disease’s most advanced stages.

Periodontal disease is most often preceded by gingivitis which is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue.  A bacterial infection affects the gums when the toxins contained in plaque begin to irritate and inflame the gum tissues.  Once this bacterial infection colonizes in the gum pockets between the teeth, it becomes much more difficult to remove and treat.  Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that eventually leads to the destruction of the connective tissue and jawbone.  If left untreated, it can cause shifting teeth, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world and should always be promptly treated.

Types of Periodontal Disease

When left untreated, gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) can spread to below the gum line.  When the gums become irritated by the toxins contained in plaque, a chronic inflammatory response causes the body to break down and destroy its own bone and soft tissue.  There may be little or no symptoms as periodontal disease causes the teeth to separate from the infected gum tissue.  Deepening pockets between the gums and teeth are generally indicative that soft tissue and bone is being destroyed by periodontal disease.

Here are some of the most common types of periodontal disease:

  • Chronic periodontitis – Inflammation within supporting tissues cause deep pockets and gum recession.  It may appear the teeth are lengthening, but in actuality, the gums (gingiva) are receding.  This is the most common form of periodontal disease and is characterized by progressive loss of attachment, interspersed with periods of rapid progression.
  • Aggressive periodontitis – This form of gum disease occurs in an otherwise clinically healthy individual.  It is characterized by rapid loss of gum attachment, chronic bone destruction and familial aggregation.
  • Necrotizing periodontitis – This form of periodontal disease most often occurs in individuals suffering from systemic conditions such as HIV, immunosuppression and malnutrition.  Necrosis (tissue death) occurs in the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and gingival tissues.
  • Periodontitis caused by systemic disease – This form of gum disease often begins at an early age.  Medical condition such as respiratory disease, diabetes and heart disease are common cofactors.

Treatment for Periodontal Disease

There are many surgical and nonsurgical treatments the periodontist may choose to perform, depending upon the exact condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone.  A complete periodontal exam of the mouth will be done before any treatment is performed or recommended.

Here are some of the more common treatments for periodontal disease:

  • Scaling and root planing – In order to preserve the health of the gum tissue, the bacteria and calculus (tartar) which initially caused the infection, must be removed.  The gum pockets will be cleaned and treated with antibiotics as necessary to help alleviate the infection.  A prescription mouthwash may be incorporated into daily cleaning routines.
  • Tissue regeneration – When the bone and gum tissues have been destroyed, regrowth can be actively encouraged using grafting procedures.  A membrane may be inserted into the affected areas to assist in the regeneration process.
  • Pocket elimination surgery – Pocket elimination surgery (also known as flap surgery) is a surgical treatment which can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums.  Surgery on the jawbone is another option which serves to eliminate indentations in the bone which foster the colonization of bacteria.
  • Dental implants – When teeth have been lost due to periodontal disease, the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth can be restored by implanting prosthetic teeth into the jawbone.  Tissue regeneration procedures may be required prior to the placement of a dental implant in order to strengthen the bone.

Please contact our office if you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, periodontal treatment, or dental implants.

Frequently Asked Questions
Periodontal (Gum) Disease, TX

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and the supporting structures around the teeth, including the bone. It begins quietly with plaque buildup along the gumline and can progress slowly over years, eventually causing gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss if left untreated. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
The primary cause is plaque — a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When plaque isn’t removed by daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional. The bacteria in plaque and tartar release toxins that irritate gum tissue, causing inflammation and infection that gradually destroys the gums and supporting bone.
Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably. “Gum disease” is the everyday name, while “periodontal disease” is the clinical term. Both describe the same condition — inflammation and infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. The word “periodontal” literally means “around the tooth.”

There are three main stages. Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest stage, marked by red, swollen, and bleeding gums; it is reversible with proper care. Periodontitis is the moderate stage, where the infection spreads below the gumline, pockets form between teeth and gums, and bone loss begins. Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage, involving significant bone destruction, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss if left untreated.

Common signs include red, swollen, or tender gums; gums that bleed when brushing or flossing; persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth; gum recession or teeth that appear longer; loose or shifting teeth; pus along the gumline; and changes in your bite or how dentures fit. Many people have gum disease without obvious symptoms, which is why regular checkups are essential.
Often, no — and that’s part of what makes it so dangerous. In the early and even moderate stages, gum disease is usually painless. Most people don’t realize they have it until significant damage has occurred. Pain typically appears only in advanced stages when there’s a gum abscess, severe infection, or exposed roots. Regular dental visits are the best way to catch it early.
Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking or tobacco use, diabetes, hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, puberty), genetics, stress, certain medications, weakened immune systems, poor nutrition, and underlying medical conditions like heart disease. Anyone can develop gum disease, but those with multiple risk factors should be especially proactive about prevention.
Yes. Research has consistently linked gum disease to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory disease, pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, and even Alzheimer’s disease. The chronic inflammation and bacteria from infected gums can affect your entire body through the bloodstream, making oral health an important part of overall wellness.
We perform a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, which includes measuring the depth of the pockets around each tooth (healthy pockets are 1–3 mm; deeper pockets indicate disease), checking for bleeding, examining gum recession, reviewing your dental X-rays for bone loss, and assessing your overall oral hygiene and medical history. This gives us a complete picture of your gum health.
Gingivitis — the earliest stage — is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Once the disease has progressed to periodontitis, however, the lost bone and tissue cannot be regrown naturally. The disease can be controlled and managed with treatment, but it cannot be completely cured. Ongoing maintenance is essential to prevent it from returning or worsening.
Treatment depends on the severity. Mild cases respond to professional cleaning and better at-home care. Moderate cases typically require scaling and root planing — a deep cleaning that removes tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces. Advanced cases may need antibiotic therapy, periodontal surgery, laser treatment, or gum and bone grafting to restore lost support.
Untreated periodontal disease will continue to progress. You can expect ongoing gum recession, deepening pockets, increasing bone loss, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss. The infection can also spread to other parts of the body, contributing to systemic health problems. The earlier gum disease is treated, the more of your natural smile we can preserve.
The best prevention is consistent daily care. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily to clean between teeth, use an antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended, eat a balanced diet, avoid tobacco, manage chronic conditions like diabetes, and visit our office every six months for professional cleanings and exams. Early detection makes treatment easier and more effective.
Schedule an appointment right away if you notice bleeding gums, gum recession, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, or any swelling or pain along the gumline. Even without symptoms, regular six-month dental checkups are essential — catching gum disease early is far easier and less expensive than treating advanced disease.