Gum Disease
Inflammation of the gums, from reversible gingivitis to bone-destroying periodontitis.
Last revised
Key takeaways
- Earliest sign: bleeding gums when brushing
- Gingivitis: reversible with good cleaning
- Most useful single change: Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.
- Commonest mistake: Stopping brushing an area because it bleeds.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to get help" below apply to you.
Why it matters
It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, is painless until late, and is associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Earliest sign | bleeding gums when brushing |
| Gingivitis | reversible with good cleaning |
| Periodontitis | causes irreversible bone loss |
| Strongest risk factors | smoking, diabetes, poor plaque control |
What helps
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
- Treat bleeding gums as a signal to clean more, not less
- Stop smoking, which both worsens gum disease and masks the bleeding
- Tell your dentist if you have diabetes; the two interact strongly
What to avoid
- Stopping brushing an area because it bleeds
- Relying on mouthwash instead of mechanical cleaning
- Skipping dental check-ups because nothing hurts
Where to go next
- Gum Disease: Just the Figures
- Gum Disease: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
- Tooth Decay: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
- Dental Check-Ups: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
When to get help
See a dentist for persistent bleeding gums, receding gums, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath. Seek urgent dental care for facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth, or fever with toothache — a spreading dental infection is an emergency and can obstruct the airway.
Where this comes from
- NHS — Gum disease
- Delivering Better Oral Health — toolkit
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.