May 01, 2025

Gum Disease: Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment

By Dr. Flora Stay

Gum Disease Is More Than Just a Dental Problem

You may have a million-dollar smile flashing beautiful white teeth, but how is the health of the tissues and bone holding the teeth in place? Gum disease is one of the most common and underdiagnosed conditions – affecting nearly half of adults over 30. What makes it worse? It’s not just preventable – it’s also contagious.

Yes, gum disease is contagious, meaning the bacteria can be passed from person to person through saliva. Left untreated, gum disease doesn’t just lead to bad breath and tooth loss, it may even increase the risk of heart disease and stroke (1, 2).

Struggling with bad breath too? Here’s how to get rid of halitosis naturally.

What does gum disease look like?

In its early stages, gum disease may not hurt, but the signs are there. Here are the most common gum disease symptoms:

Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bleeding during brushing or flossing
Persistent bad breath
Receding gums
Loose or sensitive teeth
Pain when chewing

Knowing the signs of gum disease is the first step to stopping it in its tracks (3).

Gum Disease Stages: From Mild to Serious

There are four main gum disease stages, and early intervention is key:

1. Gingivitis (Early Stage)

This is reversible and typically caused by plaque buildup. You might notice slight bleeding or irritation when brushing. There’s no bone loss yet – but it’s a red flag.

Good news: Gingivitis can be reversed with consistent oral hygiene and the right products.

Shop Cleure’s Mint-Free Toothpaste with Xylitol – gentle and free of SLS and harsh additives.
Upgrade to a Soft Bristle Toothbrush – dentist-recommended and gentle on gums.

Gingivitis, if untreated, can progress to periodontitis, leading to gum and bone damage. There are several types:

2. Mild Periodontitis

Plaque hardens into tartar and bacteria spreads below the gumline, affecting the supporting bone. Pockets form around teeth, and gums begin to pull away. This allows bacteria to hide in areas where a toothbrush and floss can't reach.

Treatment:

Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
Antibiotics (oral or topical)
Surgery (flap surgery, bone grafting in severe cases)

3. Moderate Periodontitis

Tissue and bone supporting the teeth start to break down. You might notice pus or more obvious loosening of teeth.

Treatment: The treatment options are the same as those with mild periodontitis. It will depend on how severe the bone loss is and how loose the teeth are along with gum recession.

4. Advanced Periodontitis

Significant bone loss. Teeth may shift or fall out. Infections become more frequent and painful.

Poor oral hygiene with the buildup of dental plaque (the film containing bacteria that forms around the teeth and gums) is the number one cause of all stages of gum disease. Although the mouth contains good and harmful types of bacteria, with poor oral hygiene the harmful bacteria thrive and become a problem.

Genes may also play a role in gum disease along with the health of the immune system.

5. Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG)

This painful form of gum disease is often tied to immune issues or severe neglect. Symptoms include painful ulcers, pus, and foul breath (4).

Is gum disease curable?
Gingivitis, yes. Advanced periodontitis, no – but it can be managed and slowed down with proper care.

How to Cure Gum Disease Without a Dentist?

While severe cases require professional treatment, early gum disease can be improved and sometimes reversed through self-care.

Watch for Dry Mouth

Dry mouth changes your oral pH and helps bad bacteria thrive. A toothpaste with baking soda helps neutralize acidity and protect enamel.

Can gum disease be reversed?

Yes, in the gingivitis stage. Once it becomes periodontitis, the goal shifts to management, not reversal. That’s why early detection matters.

Is gum disease deadly? Rarely, but it can lead to systemic inflammation, which increases your risk for heart conditions and other chronic diseases.

How to Stop Gum Disease Before It Starts

Brush and floss daily.

This is your first and most important defense. Always floss first to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline, then brush thoroughly – reaching every side of every tooth, including the gums. Not sure you're doing it right? Ask your dental professional for a quick demo.

Cleure’s Flavor-Free Toothpaste contains both, making it the best toothpaste for gum disease prevention and daily use.

Address dry mouth.

Dry mouth creates an acidic environment that harmful bacteria thrive in. To maintain a balanced pH and promote saliva production, use a toothpaste that contains baking soda and xylitol.

Baking soda helps neutralize acid, reduce plaque, and gently whiten teeth. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, it's low-abrasive and safe for daily use. It’s also been shown to reduce gingivitis and help remineralize early-stage tooth decay (5).
Xylitol, according to Dion Health, has been proven to lower levels of harmful bacteria (like S. mutans) in plaque and saliva, while increasing oral pH and improving saliva quality.

Try Cleure's Alcohol-Free Mouthwash alongside your toothpaste to boost results and reduce bacteria without drying your mouth.

Keep up with dental checkups.

Your dentist can catch early signs of gum disease and recommend treatment before it gets worse. Depending on your needs, visits may range from every three months to once a year.

Other essential habits: