WatchGum Disease
What is gum disease? Signs, stages, and how we treat it
More than 75% of adults over 35 have some form of gum disease — and most don't realize it until it's well underway. Periodontitis starts quietly: plaque hardens into tartar along the gumline, the gums become inflamed, and over time the bacteria attack the bone that holds your teeth in place. Untreated, it's the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States.
This video shows exactly how gum disease develops, from the earliest sign (gingivitis — red, swollen, easily-bleeding gums) through the more advanced stages where pockets form between the teeth and gums. Other warning signs to watch for: chronic bad breath, gums pulling away from the teeth, and teeth that feel loose or shift position.
Here's the critical point: gingivitis is reversible. Once it progresses into full periodontal disease, the damage can be controlled but not undone. That's why catching it early — at a regular checkup — matters so much. Treatment usually starts with a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing to remove the bacteria below the gumline.
After treatment, ongoing periodontal maintenance visits keep the disease from coming back. If you notice any warning signs, please schedule an evaluation at Brammeier Dental of Naperville — the sooner we intervene, the more of your natural smile we can preserve.
Want the full story on Gum Disease Treatment?
Our complete treatment guide covers what to expect, the procedure step by step, recovery, costs, and answers to the questions patients ask most.
Read the Gum Disease Treatment guide