Gloss & Floss Answers · Oral Health & Prevention
What is gum disease?
Direct answer
Gum disease is inflammation or infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It often starts as gingivitis, where gums become red, swollen or bleed easily. If inflammation spreads deeper, it can become periodontitis, where gum pockets, bone loss and tooth support are affected. Early gum inflammation can often improve with professional cleaning and better home care, but advanced gum disease needs diagnosis, treatment and long-term maintenance.
Why gum disease matters
Gum disease can develop slowly and may not cause strong pain at first. Many patients notice bleeding when brushing, bad breath, gum swelling or tartar before they realise that the supporting tissues around the teeth are inflamed.
The main risk is that untreated inflammation can progress from surface irritation to deeper support loss. When bone and attachment around the teeth are affected, teeth may become loose, shift position or eventually be lost.
Gingivitis vs periodontitis
| Condition | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Gingivitis | Inflammation of the gum, usually linked to plaque and tartar around the gumline. | Often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily hygiene. |
| Periodontitis | Deeper gum disease where supporting tissues and bone are affected. | Can lead to gum pockets, bone loss, recession, loose teeth and tooth loss. |
| Stable periodontal condition | Previous gum disease is controlled, but support loss may remain. | Needs maintenance because risk can return. |
| Active periodontal disease | Ongoing inflammation, bleeding, pocket progression or bone changes are present. | Needs diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. |
Common signs of gum disease
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
- Red, swollen or tender gums.
- Bad breath or bad taste that keeps returning.
- Tartar build-up near the gumline.
- Gum recession or teeth looking longer.
- Deep gum pockets found during examination.
- Loose teeth or teeth that feel less stable.
- Pus, swelling or recurring gum abscesses.
What happens at Gloss & Floss Dental Care®?
At Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Stockholm, gum assessment can include checking plaque, tartar, bleeding, gum pockets, recession, mobility and X-rays when needed.
Treatment may include professional cleaning, tartar removal above and below the gumline, oral hygiene instruction, risk-factor control and regular maintenance visits.
When should you seek care?
Book care if your gums bleed repeatedly, feel swollen, smell bad, recede, become painful or if teeth feel loose.
Practical advice: Gum disease is often easier to manage when diagnosed early, before deeper support loss has progressed.
Frequently asked questions
Is gum disease painful?
Not always. Gum disease can be painless in early stages, which is why bleeding and bad breath should not be ignored.
Can gingivitis be reversed?
Often yes, if plaque and tartar are removed and daily cleaning improves.
Can periodontitis be cured completely?
It can often be controlled, but lost support may not fully return. Long-term maintenance is important.
Does smoking affect gum disease?
Yes. Smoking and nicotine use can increase periodontal risk and may hide bleeding signs.
Related answers
Related treatments
Disclaimer
This article provides general information from Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Stockholm. It does not replace gum examination, periodontal diagnosis or individual treatment planning.
