Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day. When plaque is not removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar and triggers inflammation in the gum tissue. The CDC reports that 47.2% of American adults aged 30 and over have some form of periodontal disease. That equals roughly 64.7 million people. Other causes include smoking, hormonal changes, certain medications, diabetes, and genetics. Recognizing what leads to gum disease is the first step in preventing it.
At Southbridge Dentistry in Littleton, CO, we see gum disease at every stage, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis.
Regular dental cleanings are one of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease from developing or getting worse.
How Gum Disease Develops
Gum disease develops in stages. It starts as gingivitis, which is mild inflammation of the gums. At this stage, the gums may look red, feel puffy, and bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis is reversible with proper brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. Bacteria collect in these pockets and break down the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) identifies periodontal disease as the most common cause of tooth loss among adults. Once bone is lost, it does not grow back on its own.
The CDC also found that 70.1% of adults aged 65 and older have periodontal disease. This makes it especially important for patients in Littleton and South Denver to keep up with their cleaning appointments as they age.
Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque and tartar buildup is the leading cause of gum disease. Plaque forms on teeth within hours of brushing. If it is not removed daily, it hardens into tartar, also called calculus. Tartar cannot be removed at home with a toothbrush or floss. It requires professional cleaning by a dental hygienist.
Tartar below the gum line is especially harmful. It creates a rough surface where bacteria thrive, and it pushes the gum tissue away from the tooth. Over time, this leads to deeper pockets, more bacteria, and more inflammation. CDC data shows that adults who skip dental visits for more than a year have a periodontitis rate above 54%, compared to much lower rates in those who get regular checkups.
We recommend visiting our Littleton office every 3 to 6 months for a professional cleaning. During that visit, we measure bone levels around each tooth, check for recession, and remove any tartar that has built up since your last appointment.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco use are among the strongest risk factors for gum disease. The CDC found that 64.2% of current smokers have some form of periodontal disease. Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums, which weakens the tissue’s ability to fight infection and heal. Smokers are also less likely to respond well to gum disease treatment.
A long-term study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that male smokers are up to 3.6 times more likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers. Female smokers were 2.5 times more likely. CDC data also shows that 41.3% of daily smokers over age 65 are completely toothless, compared to 20% of non-smokers in the same age group.
Quitting tobacco at any stage improves gum health. Research shows that former smokers who quit before starting treatment have outcomes closer to non-smokers. If you use tobacco and are concerned about your gum health, let us know at your next visit so we can monitor your gums more closely.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes in women can increase the risk of gum disease. During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, shifts in hormone levels cause increased blood flow to the gums. This makes the tissue more sensitive to plaque and more prone to inflammation.
Pregnancy gingivitis is especially common. The American Academy of Periodontology notes that hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the gums more reactive to even small amounts of plaque. Symptoms usually include swollen, tender, or bleeding gums. Regular cleanings during pregnancy help keep gum disease under control and protect both the mother and the baby.
We provide dental care during pregnancy at our Littleton, CO office and work with expectant mothers to maintain healthy gums throughout each trimester.
Certain Medications and Health Conditions
Certain medications and health conditions can raise the risk of gum disease. Some prescription drugs reduce saliva flow, which is the body’s natural defense against plaque. Dry mouth allows bacteria to multiply faster and stick to the teeth more easily. Medications for blood pressure, depression, allergies, and seizures are among the most common culprits.
Diabetes is one of the strongest medical risk factors for periodontal disease. People with uncontrolled diabetes have a harder time fighting infections, including gum infections. The relationship goes both ways. Gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control, and high blood sugar makes gum disease worse. The American Academy of Periodontology urges people with diabetes to get annual comprehensive periodontal evaluations.
Other conditions that increase gum disease risk include HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments that affect the immune system, and autoimmune diseases. Regular oral cancer screenings are also recommended for patients with these risk factors. If you take medications that cause dry mouth, we can recommend strategies to keep your mouth moist and reduce your risk.
Poor Nutrition and a Weakened Immune System
Poor nutrition and a weakened immune system make it harder for the body to fight gum infections. A diet low in vitamin C, for example, has been linked to gum disease for centuries. Vitamin C plays a key role in tissue repair and immune defense. Without enough of it, the gums become more vulnerable to infection and slower to heal.
In Colorado’s active outdoor lifestyle, it is easy to overlook daily nutrition, but what you eat directly affects your oral health. Whole fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of water support healthy gum tissue. Sugary snacks and acidic drinks do the opposite by feeding the bacteria that form plaque.
A weakened immune system from any cause, whether illness, stress, or lack of sleep, reduces the body’s ability to control the bacteria in the mouth. That is why gum disease often gets worse during times of high stress or illness. Keeping your body healthy helps keep your gums healthy too.
Genetics and Family History
Genetics and family history play a role in gum disease risk. Research shows that some people are more susceptible to periodontal disease because of their genetic makeup, even if they practice good oral hygiene. The American Academy of Periodontology estimates that up to 30% of the population may be genetically predisposed to gum disease.
This does not mean gum disease is inevitable if it runs in your family. It means you may need to be more proactive about prevention. More frequent cleanings, better brushing habits, and early intervention at the first sign of gum inflammation can all help offset genetic risk.
If gum disease runs in your family, let us know so we can create a prevention plan that fits your needs. At our South Denver office, we offer periodontal maintenance cleanings on a schedule that works for your level of risk.
Stages of Gum Disease at a Glance
Gum disease progresses through stages. The table below outlines each stage, its characteristics, and whether the damage can be reversed.
| Stage | Name | Characteristics | Reversible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Gingivitis | Red, swollen, or bleeding gums; no bone loss | Yes, with professional cleaning and improved home care |
| Stage 2 | Early Periodontitis | Gum pockets of 4-5 mm; early bone loss visible on X-ray | No, but progression can be stopped |
| Stage 3 | Moderate Periodontitis | Pockets of 6-7 mm; increased bone loss; possible tooth mobility | No, but can be managed with deep cleaning and ongoing care |
| Stage 4 | Advanced Periodontitis | Pockets over 7 mm; severe bone loss; loose or shifting teeth | No; may require surgery or extraction |
Sources: American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), CDC, NIDCR
The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to manage. Our team in Littleton measures pocket depths at every hygiene visit so we can spot changes before they become serious. If deeper cleaning is needed, we offer a comfortable, anxiety-free environment with sedation options.
Patients who feel nervous about gum treatment can also benefit from IV sedation dentistry, which allows deeper cleanings to be completed in fewer visits.
For patients who have already lost teeth to advanced gum disease, we provide dental implant options to restore function and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Two Signs That You Have Gum Disease
Two signs that you have gum disease are bleeding gums when you brush or floss and gums that look red or swollen. Healthy gums are firm and pale pink. If your gums bleed during brushing, that is not normal, even if it only happens sometimes. Swelling or puffiness along the gum line is another early warning sign. Both of these symptoms point to gingivitis, which is the earliest stage and the most treatable.
Can Gum Disease Ever Go Away
Gum disease can go away if it is caught at the gingivitis stage. At that point, the inflammation has not yet caused permanent bone loss. Professional cleaning combined with consistent brushing and flossing at home can fully reverse gingivitis. Once the disease progresses to periodontitis, the bone damage cannot be undone. However, the disease can be managed and kept from getting worse with regular periodontal maintenance.
How Can You Get Rid of Gum Disease
You can get rid of gum disease in its early stage through a professional cleaning and improved daily oral care. For more advanced cases, a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing may be needed. This procedure removes tartar from below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces so gums can reattach. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. Patients in Littleton, CO can schedule a cleaning and gum evaluation at our office to find out where they stand.
What Is Stage 3 Gum Disease
Stage 3 gum disease is moderate periodontitis. At this stage, the gum pockets around the teeth measure 6 to 7 millimeters deep. There is noticeable bone loss on dental X-rays, and some teeth may start to feel loose. The infection has spread beyond the gum tissue and into the bone that supports the teeth. Treatment at this stage usually involves deep cleaning, possible antibiotic therapy, and more frequent maintenance visits to prevent further progression.
What Happens If Gum Disease Reaches Stage 4
If gum disease reaches stage 4, it becomes advanced periodontitis. Gum pockets are deeper than 7 millimeters, and there is severe bone loss. Teeth may shift, become very loose, or fall out on their own. At this point, treatment may include surgery to repair or regenerate bone, or extraction of teeth that can no longer be saved.
Replacing lost teeth with dentures or implants may be the next step to restore chewing ability and prevent further bone loss.
How Many 70 Year Olds Still Have All Their Teeth
Very few 70 year olds still have all their teeth. The ADA reports that about 2 in 3 adults aged 65 and older have gum disease, and nearly 1 in 5 adults in that age group have lost all of their teeth. Complete tooth loss is twice as common among adults aged 75 and older compared to younger seniors. Globally, around 30% of adults aged 65 to 74 have no remaining natural teeth, according to research published in the Journal of Dental Research. Regular cleanings, early treatment of gum disease, and not smoking are the strongest predictors of keeping your teeth as you age.
What It All Comes Down To
Gum disease starts with plaque and gets worse when other risk factors are involved. Smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes, genetics, poor nutrition, and skipping dental visits all increase the risk. The CDC data is clear: nearly half of all adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease. But the disease is preventable and manageable when caught early.
The best thing you can do is keep up with your routine dental cleanings and tell your dentist about any changes you notice in your gums. At our Littleton, CO practice, we measure gum health at every visit and create prevention plans based on your individual risk. Call us at 303-798-4967 or schedule an appointment online.