Periodontitis: Why Your Gums Are Receding and What to Do Next

If you've noticed your gums pulling away from your teeth, teeth looking longer, or bleeding when you brush, you may be dealing with periodontitis. This is not just a cosmetic issue. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that can damage the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth.

The good news: it's treatable, especially when caught early. The key is understanding what's happening and knowing your next medical steps.

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What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. It usually begins as gingivitis — mild inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup. If not treated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis.

With periodontitis:

• Gums pull away from teeth, forming pockets
• Bacteria collect in these pockets
• Bone and connective tissue begin to break down
• Teeth may loosen or eventually fall out

This condition is common, especially in adults over 30. According to major dental health authorities, severe periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults worldwide.

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Why Are Your Gums Receding?

Gum recession is a hallmark sign of periodontitis, but not all receding gums mean you have advanced disease. Here's why it happens:

1. Bacterial Infection

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria. If it isn't removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. This triggers inflammation that damages gum tissue and supporting bone.

2. Chronic Inflammation

The body's immune response to infection can unintentionally break down bone and tissue around the teeth.

3. Risk Factors That Increase Your Chances

Certain factors make periodontitis more likely:

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Diabetes (especially if poorly controlled)
• Poor oral hygiene
• Family history of gum disease
• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)
• Certain medications that reduce saliva
• Chronic stress
• Conditions that affect immunity

If you have one or more of these risk factors, gum recession should be evaluated sooner rather than later.

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Signs and Symptoms of Periodontitis

Periodontitis is often painless in early stages, which makes it easy to ignore. Watch for:

• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• Swollen, red, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums (teeth appear longer)
• Loose teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Changes in how your teeth fit together

If you're experiencing any of these warning signs and want to understand what they might mean, try this free Gum problems symptom checker to get personalized insights in just a few minutes before your dental appointment.

This is not a replacement for a dental exam, but it can help you prepare.

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Why Periodontitis Shouldn't Be Ignored

It's important not to panic — but also not to delay care.

Untreated periodontitis can lead to:

• Permanent bone loss
• Tooth loss
• Abscess (a painful infection pocket)
• Worsening blood sugar control in diabetics
• Increased inflammation throughout the body

Research also shows links between severe periodontitis and other health conditions such as heart disease and complications during pregnancy. While gum disease does not directly "cause" these problems, chronic inflammation in the body plays a role.

Taking care of your gums is part of taking care of your overall health.

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Medical Next Steps: What to Do If You Suspect Periodontitis

If you think you may have periodontitis, here's what to do:

1. Schedule a Dental Exam

A dentist will:

• Measure the depth of gum pockets
• Check for bleeding and inflammation
• Take dental X-rays to assess bone loss
• Evaluate tooth mobility

This exam determines how advanced the condition is.

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2. Professional Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

This is usually the first treatment step.

• Scaling removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
• Root planing smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach

This is more thorough than a regular cleaning and may require local anesthesia.

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3. Medications (If Needed)

In some cases, your dentist may recommend:

• Antibacterial mouth rinses
• Antibiotic gels placed in gum pockets
• Oral antibiotics for more severe infections

These help control bacterial growth while the gums heal.

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4. Advanced Treatments for Severe Periodontitis

If damage is significant, you may be referred to a periodontist (gum specialist). Treatment options may include:

• Flap surgery (lifting the gums to clean deeper areas)
• Bone grafts
• Soft tissue grafts for gum recession
• Guided tissue regeneration

These procedures aim to restore lost support and stabilize teeth.

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Can Receding Gums Grow Back?

Once gum tissue and bone are lost due to periodontitis, they do not fully grow back on their own.

However:

• Treatment can stop progression
• Gum grafting can improve coverage
• Early care can prevent further damage

The earlier periodontitis is treated, the better the long-term outcome.

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What You Can Do at Home

Professional treatment is essential, but daily habits make a major difference.

Improve Oral Hygiene

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Consider an electric toothbrush
• Use an antibacterial mouth rinse if recommended

Lifestyle Changes

• Quit smoking (this dramatically improves gum healing)
• Manage blood sugar if you have diabetes
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D
• Stay consistent with dental checkups (every 3–6 months if advised)

These steps help stabilize periodontitis and prevent recurrence.

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When Is It Urgent?

Seek prompt dental or medical care if you notice:

• Severe gum pain
• Facial swelling
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Fever
• Difficulty swallowing

These could signal a spreading infection, which can become serious.

If you experience symptoms that feel severe, rapidly worsening, or involve fever or swelling of the face or neck, speak to a doctor immediately. Infections in the mouth can spread if untreated.

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The Long-Term Outlook

With proper treatment and maintenance:

• Many people keep their teeth for life
• Disease progression can be stopped
• Symptoms can significantly improve

However, untreated periodontitis does not go away on its own. It typically worsens slowly over time.

The key message is this: gum recession is often a warning sign. Acting early gives you the most control over the outcome.

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Bottom Line

Periodontitis is a common but serious gum infection that causes gum recession, bone loss, and potentially tooth loss. It develops gradually, often without pain at first.

If your gums are receding:

• Don't ignore it
• Schedule a dental exam
• Improve daily oral care
• Address risk factors like smoking or diabetes

Before your dental visit, consider checking your symptoms using a free Gum problems assessment tool to help identify what might be causing your discomfort and what questions to ask your dentist.

Most importantly, speak to a dentist or doctor about any symptoms that concern you — especially if you have swelling, pain, fever, or loose teeth. Early treatment makes a significant difference, and protecting your gums protects your overall health.

Taking action now is far easier than repairing damage later.