The stages of gum disease, and what each one means for you

Bleeding when you brush is worth a closer look

Maybe you've noticed a bit of pink in the sink, or your gums feel tender after flossing. It's easy to brush it off, but those small signs are often the earliest hint of gum disease, and this is the stage where it's easiest to turn around. Our dentists and hygienists in Milford and Henniker check your gums at every visit so we can catch changes before they become a bigger problem.

How gum disease progresses

Gum disease starts with plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that builds up along the gumline every day. Brushing and flossing remove most of it. What's left hardens into tartar, irritates the gums, and sets off a chain of changes that moves through a few recognizable stages.

Healthy gums
Healthy gums are pale pink, firm, and snug against each tooth. They don't bleed when you brush or floss, and the bone underneath holds every tooth securely. This is the goal, and regular cleanings help keep you here.
Gingivitis
This is the first and only reversible stage. Bacteria along the gumline cause the gums to swell, redden, and bleed easily. There's usually no pain, which is why so many people don't realize anything's wrong. A professional cleaning plus consistent brushing and flossing can bring your gums back to health, often within a few weeks.
Early periodontitis
If gingivitis goes untreated, the inflammation spreads below the gumline. The gums begin to separate from the teeth, creating small pockets where bacteria collect. The bone that supports the teeth starts to break down. At this point, brushing alone can't clear the pockets, and a deeper cleaning is needed.
Moderate periodontitis
The pockets deepen, more bone is lost, and teeth may begin to feel slightly loose or shift position. Gums can recede, making teeth look longer, and you might notice ongoing bad breath or a bad taste. Treatment focuses on cleaning the pockets thoroughly and stopping further bone loss.
Advanced periodontitis
By this stage, so much bone has been lost that teeth can become loose, painful, or infected. Abscesses may form. Some teeth may not be savable, though treatment can still protect the ones that are and prepare the mouth for replacements such as implants.

Signs to watch for between visits

Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Red, puffy, or tender gums
Bad breath that doesn't go away with brushing
Gums pulling back from your teeth
Teeth that feel loose or seem to have shifted
New gaps opening up between teeth
Pus or swelling along the gumline

If any of these sound familiar, it's a good reason to schedule a visit rather than wait for your next checkup.

How we treat gum disease in Milford and Henniker

Treatment depends on the stage. For gingivitis, a thorough cleaning and a refreshed home-care routine are usually enough. For periodontitis, we typically recommend scaling and root planing, a deeper cleaning that clears bacteria from below the gumline and smooths the roots so the gums can reattach. From there, more frequent maintenance cleanings help keep the disease from returning. If you're nervous about the deeper cleaning, we offer sedation options and a comfort menu at both offices.

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Things you might be wondering

Can gum disease be cured?

Gingivitis can be fully reversed with a professional cleaning and good daily habits. Once it progresses to periodontitis, the bone that's been lost doesn't grow back on its own, but the disease can be stopped and managed so it doesn't get worse. Regular maintenance visits are the key.

Why don't my gums hurt if something's wrong?

Gum disease is usually painless until it's fairly advanced. That's what makes it easy to overlook. Bleeding, puffiness, and bad breath are the early warning signs, and they show up long before pain does. Regular exams let us spot changes you can't feel.

How often should I come in if I've had gum disease?

Most patients who've been treated for periodontitis do best with cleanings every three to four months instead of every six. Those shorter intervals keep bacteria from rebuilding below the gumline. Our team in Milford and Henniker will recommend a schedule based on how your gums respond.

Is gum disease connected to my overall health?

Research links gum disease to conditions like heart disease and diabetes, and inflammation in the mouth can make other health issues harder to control. Keeping your gums healthy is one more way to look after the rest of your body.

Can I still get dental implants if I've had gum disease?

Often, yes. The gum disease needs to be under control first, and if bone has been lost, grafting may be needed to rebuild the area. Our dentists will evaluate your gums and bone and let you know what's possible.