Fallacies About Gum Disease

Get the facts about this serious infection to save your teeth and protect your health.

FALLACY: Tooth loss is a natural part of aging.

FACT: With good oral hygiene and regular professional care, your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, if left untreated, periodontal (gum)disease can lead to tooth loss. It is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults 35 and over.

FALLACY: People who have gum disease are "dirty" and don't brush their teeth.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Persistent swollen, red or bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath are among the warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease.

Periodontal disease is often silent, meaning symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. However, warning signs of periodontal disease include the following:

Causes of Gum Disease

The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums.

Types of Gum Diseases

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

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