You're not alone
Many U.S. adults have some form of gum disease. It ranges from mild gum inflammation to serious damage to the tissue and bone holding the teeth — and at worst, lost teeth.
Two stages
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Gingivitis (mild) | gums turn red and swollen and bleed easily. Usually reversible with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings by a dentist or dental hygienist |
| Periodontitis (untreated gingivitis) | gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. Without treatment, the bone, gums and connective tissue supporting the teeth are destroyed |
Sources
Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Gum Disease," National Library of Medicine, with content from the NIH's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
LanguagesEnglish
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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