What is gum disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth. It starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline. The early stage, gingivitis, affects only the gums and is generally reversible. If it continues, it can progress to periodontitis, where the bone and ligament holding the teeth are gradually destroyed. Gum disease is widely recognised as one of the most common chronic conditions in adults and a leading cause of tooth loss.
The challenge is that it is usually not painful in its early stages. Many people do not notice anything until teeth become loose. Knowing the warning signs gives you the chance to act sooner.
1. Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss?
Healthy gums do not normally bleed with gentle brushing. Bleeding is often the first sign of gingivitis. A common mistake is to stop brushing the area because it bleeds; in fact, gentle, thorough cleaning combined with professional care usually helps it settle.
2. Are your gums red, swollen or tender?
Healthy gums are generally firm and pale pink, although natural colour varies between people. Gums that look puffy, dark red or shiny, or feel sore when touched, are showing signs of inflammation.
3. Do you have bad breath that does not go away?
Persistent bad breath or a lingering bad taste can come from bacteria in deep gum pockets. Mouthwash may mask it temporarily but does not treat the cause. Our page on bad breath (halitosis) treatment explains how the source is identified.
4. Are your gums receding?
If your teeth look longer than before, or you can feel a notch near the gumline, the gums may be pulling back. Recession exposes the root surface, which is more vulnerable to decay and wear.
5. Have your teeth become more sensitive?
Exposed roots can make teeth sensitive to cold drinks, sweet foods or brushing. Sensitivity has many causes, so it is worth having it checked; see our page on tooth sensitivity treatment.
6. Do any teeth feel loose, or has your bite changed?
As supporting bone is lost, teeth may start to move, spread apart, or feel different when you bite. Gaps may appear between front teeth. This usually indicates more advanced disease and should be assessed promptly. Loose teeth treatment focuses on controlling the infection and stabilising the teeth where possible.
7. Is there pus or a bad taste around a tooth?
Pus between the teeth and gums, or a swelling that comes and goes, can indicate an active infection or abscess. This needs attention soon, as it can lead to faster bone loss.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
In gingivitis, inflammation stays in the gum tissue and the bone is not yet affected, so the gums can return to health once plaque is controlled. In periodontitis, the inflammation has spread deeper, the attachment between gum and tooth breaks down, and pockets form where bacteria are difficult to reach with a toothbrush. Bone loss at this stage is generally permanent, which is why noticing the early signs matters so much.
Who is more at risk?
- Smokers.
- People with diabetes, particularly when blood sugar is not well controlled.
- Those with a family history of gum disease.
- People who find it difficult to clean between their teeth, including those with crowded teeth, bridges or implants.
- People under stress or with certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes.
- Hormonal changes such as pregnancy can make gums more prone to inflammation.
Is gum disease linked to general health?
Research has found associations between periodontitis and several general health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The relationship with diabetes appears to work in both directions: poorly controlled blood sugar makes gum disease worse, and treating gum inflammation may support better control. Seoul E&D Dental Clinic places particular emphasis on this whole-body view, especially for older patients and those with chronic conditions.
How is gum disease diagnosed?
The dentist measures the depth of the small space between each tooth and the gum, checks for bleeding and mobility, and takes X-rays to assess bone levels. At E&D Dental, our Q-ray intraoral camera can also show plaque biofilm on the teeth, which helps patients see exactly where cleaning needs to improve.
How is it treated?
- Professional cleaning. For gingivitis, painless scaling removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline.
- Deep cleaning. For periodontitis, scaling and root planing cleans the root surfaces inside the pockets under local anesthesia.
- Further treatment if needed. Advanced cases may need gum surgery or gum and bone regeneration.
- Maintenance. Regular recall visits help keep the disease under control.
For an overview of the full approach, see our periodontal treatment page. Many patients put off gum care because they expect cleaning to be uncomfortable; our 3-step anesthesia system is available for scaling as well as deeper treatment.
What can you do at home?
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, angling the brush toward the gumline.
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.
- If you smoke, consider quitting; it is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors.
- Keep regular check-ups even if nothing hurts.
Get your gums checked in Sanbon
If you have noticed any of these signs, an assessment is a simple first step. E&D Dental is in Sanbon-dong, Gunpo, about five minutes on foot from Sanbon Station on Line 4, with evening hours on Mondays and Thursdays and Saturday morning appointments. You can book a gum assessment by phone or WhatsApp.