The short answer: Your gums hold your teeth in place and form a barrier between the bacteria in your mouth and your bloodstream. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and it is linked to diabetes, heart disease and other conditions. It is also very common and usually painless, so most people who have it don't know.
Most people think of dental health in terms of teeth: cavities, whitening, straightening. But teeth are only as stable as the gums and bone around them. You can have a mouth with no cavities and still lose teeth to gum disease.
How common is gum disease?
Very common. A CDC study using full-mouth exams found that about 47% of U.S. adults age 30 and older have periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease. Among adults 65 and older, the rate rises to about 70%. Men are affected more often than women (56% vs. 38%). Source: CDC / Journal of Dental Research
In other words, if you are over 30 and have not had your gums measured recently, there is a real chance you have some level of gum disease right now.
What does gum disease actually do?
Gum disease starts when plaque bacteria build up along and below the gumline. It progresses in two stages:
Gingivitis. Gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage the damage is reversible with a professional cleaning and better home care.
Periodontitis. The infection moves below the gumline and starts breaking down the bone that supports your teeth. Pockets form between gums and teeth, teeth can loosen, and bone that is lost does not grow back on its own.
Because periodontitis is usually painless until late, people often learn about it only when a tooth feels loose.
Is gum health connected to the rest of my body?
Yes. Your gums are living tissue with a rich blood supply. When they are chronically inflamed, bacteria and inflammatory signals can reach the rest of your body. Research has linked gum disease to:
Diabetes. The link runs both ways: diabetes raises gum disease risk, and gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control.
Heart and blood vessel disease. People with gum disease have higher rates of cardiovascular disease. Researchers are still studying whether one causes the other.
Pregnancy complications. Gum disease has been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight.
Alzheimer's disease. A bacterium involved in gum disease has been found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, an area of active research. We covered it in Alzheimer's Disease & Your Gum Health.
Treating gum disease is not a cure for any of these conditions. It does remove a source of chronic inflammation, which is good for your whole body.
What are the warning signs of gum disease?
Call a dentist if you notice any of these:
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Red, puffy or tender gums
Bad breath that does not go away
Gums pulling back from your teeth, making teeth look longer
Loose or shifting teeth, or a change in your bite
Pain when chewing
Bleeding gums are not normal, even if they have "always done that." Bleeding is the earliest sign of inflammation.
Who is at higher risk?
Your risk is higher if you smoke or vape, have diabetes, are over 50, are pregnant, take medications that cause dry mouth, grind your teeth, or have a family history of gum disease. Stress and skipped cleanings also play a role.
How is gum disease treated at Concierge Dentistry?
Treatment depends on the stage. At our Brentwood office, gum care is handled in-house as part of our periodontics services, so you are not sent to another office.
Gum measurements at every exam. Small measurements around each tooth catch disease early.
3D CBCT imaging shows bone levels around teeth in detail when needed.
Professional cleanings reverse gingivitis.
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) removes bacteria and tartar from pockets below the gumline.
Waterlase laser gum treatment targets infected tissue and can support healing with less need for a scalpel or sutures in some cases.
Ongoing maintenance cleanings, usually every three to four months for periodontitis, keep the disease from returning.
If gum disease has already cost you a tooth, implants and restorative options are available in the same office.
What can I do at home?
Brush twice a day for two full minutes with a soft brush, angled toward the gumline. Clean between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser or interdental brushes. An electric toothbrush helps many people remove more plaque. Don't smoke. And keep your cleanings: home care cannot remove tartar once it has hardened.
Gum care in Brentwood and West Los Angeles
Concierge Dentistry is at 11980 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 507, Los Angeles, CA 90049, serving Brentwood, Santa Monica, Westwood, Pacific Palisades and Beverly Hills. Dr. Jay Grossman has practiced at this location since 1991.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I floss? No. Bleeding is a sign of inflammation. It often improves with a professional cleaning and consistent flossing. If it does not, have your gums evaluated.
Can gum disease be reversed? Gingivitis can be reversed. Periodontitis can be controlled and stopped, but bone that is already lost does not grow back without surgical treatment.
Does gum treatment hurt? Deep cleanings are done with numbing. Laser treatment can be gentler on tissue in some cases. Sedation is available for anxious patients.
Can I lose teeth from gum disease even without cavities? Yes. Gum disease destroys the bone that holds teeth in place. It is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
How often should I get my gums checked? At least once a year as part of your exam, and more often if you have had gum disease, diabetes, or smoke.
Book a gum health check
Call (310) 820-0123 or request an appointment online.
About the author: Dr. Jay Grossman graduated from NYU College of Dentistry in 1988, served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy (1989 to 1991), and has practiced in Brentwood since 1991. He holds professorships at UCLA School of Dentistry and NYU College of Dentistry and founded the nonprofit Homeless Not Toothless.
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace an individual exam or professional advice.