Gum Disease
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
If you have gum disease, you're not alone. Many U.S. adults currently have some form of the disease. It ranges from simple gum inflammation, called gingivitis, to serious damage to the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. In the worst cases, you can lose teeth.
In gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen. They can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. You can usually reverse it with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. If you have periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. If not treated, the bones, gums and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.
NIH: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Symptoms, tests and care options
Further reading selected by MedlinePlus. Links open the original organizations’ websites.
- Dental Exam · National Library of Medicine
- Panoramic Dental X-Ray · Radiological Society of North America
- Periodontal Treatments and Procedures · American Academy of Periodontology
- Surgical Periodontal Procedures · American Academy of Periodontology
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