Gingivitis: the reversible stage
Plaque at the gumline triggers inflammation: redness, swelling, bleeding when you brush or floss. No bone is lost yet. A professional cleaning plus consistent home care reverses gingivitis completely, usually within weeks.
Early to moderate periodontitis
Left alone, inflammation moves below the gumline. Pockets form between tooth and gum, and the bone holding the teeth begins to erode. Treatment shifts to deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and tighter maintenance intervals.
Advanced periodontitis
Deep pockets, significant bone loss, loose teeth, and shifting bite. Management may involve surgery, and some teeth may not be savable. Bone lost to periodontitis does not grow back on its own.
The warning signs to act on
Bleeding, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and teeth that look longer are all reasons to book an exam, not to wait. A five-minute gum screening at your checkup measures pockets and tells you exactly where you stand.
Key takeaways
- •Bleeding gums are never normal.
- •Gingivitis is fully reversible, periodontitis is managed.
- •Pocket measurements track your status over time.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Your situation deserves an exam.