{"id":853,"date":"2026-07-27T05:19:41","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T10:19:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/?p=853"},"modified":"2026-07-27T05:19:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T10:19:49","slug":"what-is-periodontitis-symptoms-stages-treatment-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/what-is-periodontitis-symptoms-stages-treatment-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Periodontitis: Symptoms, Stages &amp; Treatment Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Gums bleed a little when you brush. Most people don&#8217;t think twice. Maybe they went too hard with the brush and skipped flossing for a few days, and it settled down on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes that&#8217;s genuinely all it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other times it&#8217;s periodontitis starting quietly in the background. A bacterial infection that eats away at the bone holding teeth in place long before anything actually hurts. Patients come into Red House Dental for a routine cleaning and end up with questions about periodontitis they never expected to be asking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is Periodontitis?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s a gum infection, plain and simple at the start. Swelling, bleeding, and, given enough time, bone damage underneath the gums. Left alone for long enough, teeth get loose. Eventually they&#8217;re lost altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While periodontitis is much more common in adults, developing healthy <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/trusted-pediatric-dentist-for-children-in-richmond-hill\/\">oral hygiene habits<\/a><\/strong> early in life is one of the best ways to reduce future risk. Genetics too. Parents or grandparents with a history of gum disease increase your chances of developing periodontitis as well, regardless of how well you brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dentists label cases as mild, moderate, or severe based on bone loss and the extent of gum inflammation. Both nonsurgical and surgical treatments exist for it, and here&#8217;s the part worth remembering. Catching it early really does change how manageable the whole thing stays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Is Periodontics?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Reasonable question. The words look almost identical on paper. What is periodontics, then? It&#8217;s the dental speciality built around everything supporting the teeth, gums, bones, ligaments, and all of it together. A periodontist trains specifically in gum disease and steps in once a case of periodontitis has progressed beyond what a general dentist typically manages on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Symptoms of Periodontitis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Doesn&#8217;t always hurt. That&#8217;s the tricky part. Plenty of people carry it around for months with zero idea anything&#8217;s wrong underneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What to Look Out For<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bad breath that lingers no matter how much you brush<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gums bleeding during brushing or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/dental-floss-types-benefits-usage-tips\">flossing<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gum tissue turning red or purplish instead of a healthy pink<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Puffiness or swelling along the gum line<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roots becoming more visible as gums recede<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Teeth feeling loose or shifting slightly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chewing feels different than it used to<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain while eating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pus or visible infection near the gum line<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Does any of that sound familiar? Get it checked even if it seems small. Periodontitis, caught early, tends to make everything that follows much simpler.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"689\" src=\"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/periodontitis-2-1024x689.jpeg\" alt=\"What Causes Periodontitis?\n\n\" class=\"wp-image-855\" srcset=\"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/periodontitis-2-1024x689.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/periodontitis-2-300x202.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/periodontitis-2-768x517.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/periodontitis-2.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Causes Periodontitis?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Poor oral hygiene, mostly, though it&#8217;s rarely that simple in practice. Plaque and tartar build up on teeth, and if brushing and flossing don&#8217;t reach far enough, bacteria slip below the gum line. Right where a toothbrush physically can&#8217;t go. From there, it slowly wears down the underlying tissue and bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Risk Factors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gum disease running in the family<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hormonal changes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skipping regular dental checkups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smoking or vaping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ongoing poor hygiene habits over time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is early periodontal disease territory, basically. Most people miss early periodontal disease completely since symptoms barely register at first, which is exactly why routine checkups catch so much more than people expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stages of Periodontal Disease<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The stages of periodontal disease help explain why treatment varies so widely from patient to patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gingivitis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The starting point, technically before periodontitis. Red, swollen, occasionally bleeding gums, but the bone hasn&#8217;t taken any damage yet. Fully reversible here with better hygiene and a solid cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mild Periodontitis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bone loss begins. Small pockets start to form between the teeth and gums. This is usually the point at which early periodontal disease is reclassified as periodontitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Moderate Periodontitis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>More bone loss by now. Recession becomes visible. Teeth might feel a little loose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Severe Periodontitis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Significant damage at this stage. Teeth loosen noticeably, bite changes, and tooth loss becomes a real risk without treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Across all stages of periodontal disease, one thing remains constant. Catch it earlier, and treatment stays lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Come up a lot in appointments, honestly. Is periodontal disease contagious? Not the way a cold spreads through a room, no. But there&#8217;s a wrinkle here worth mentioning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bacteria involved can be transmitted through close contact, with kissing being the obvious one, though exposure alone doesn&#8217;t guarantee that periodontitis develops. Hygiene, genetics, overall health, all of it plays into whether an infection actually takes hold.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, is periodontal disease contagious? It ends up being more about shared bacteria and shared risk than anything resembling a virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can Periodontal Disease Be Reversed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Depends completely on the stage. Gingivitis reverses. Better brushing, flossing, and a proper cleaning, and it clears right up. Periodontitis itself, once it sets in, doesn&#8217;t work that way. Bone loss that&#8217;s already happened stays put.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So can periodontal disease be reversed past gingivitis? Not fully. It can be managed and stabilised, which prevents further damage from building up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is Periodontitis Reversible?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A related question comes up just as often. Is periodontitis reversible? Not in terms of getting one&#8217;s bones back. Treatment halts progression and manages symptoms; that&#8217;s really the ceiling here. So, is periodontitis reversible? It has a disappointing answer on paper, but plenty of people manage it for years without any further damage once treatment starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Is Periodontitis Diagnosed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually caught during a routine exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Happens During That Exam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Questions about symptoms, medical history, smoking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A close look at the gums for inflammation or recession<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dental X-rays checking for bone loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A small probe measuring pocket depth around each tooth<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"689\" src=\"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/periodontitis-1024x689.jpeg\" alt=\"Treatment Options for Periodontitis\" class=\"wp-image-856\" srcset=\"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/periodontitis-1024x689.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/periodontitis-300x202.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/periodontitis-768x517.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/periodontitis.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Treatment Options for Periodontitis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Depends entirely on how far things have progressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Nonsurgical Options<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Antibiotics, oral or placed directly under the gums<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better hygiene instruction and technique<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scaling and root planing under local anaesthesia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Surgical Options<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>More advanced periodontitis usually needs one of these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Osseous surgery to clean and smooth bone around the roots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bone grafts to rebuild what&#8217;s been lost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guided tissue regeneration using a biocompatible membrane<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gum grafts for recession<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Platelet-rich plasma to help rebuild bone or gum tissue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Prevention and Long-Term Outlook<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No cure once it develops. That part doesn&#8217;t change. But it manages well with proper care. Regular visits and solid daily habits both go a long way toward slowing it down. People more prone to gum disease might need cleanings more than twice a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Catch it early, and treatment stays cheaper and simpler. Leaving dental problems untreated can sometimes lead to more extensive procedures, including <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/warning-signs-you-might-need-root-canal-treatment\/\">root canal treatment<\/a><\/strong>, depending on the underlying cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Visit Red House Dental<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bleeding, swollen, or sore gums? Worth checking sooner rather than later. We&#8217;re a family <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/\">dental clinic in Richmond Hill<\/a><\/strong> at 38 Arnold Crescent, and we accept the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/how-to-apply-for-the-canadian-dental-care-plan-cdcp\/\">Canadian Dental Care Plan,<\/a><\/strong> so staying on top of gum health doesn&#8217;t need to come with financial stress. Our team walks you through exactly where things stand and what, if anything, needs attention next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is periodontics as a speciality?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The dental field focused on gums, bone, and the structures supporting teeth, including advanced periodontitis cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is periodontal disease contagious?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not in a traditional sense, though the bacteria involved can pass through close contact. Actually developing it depends on more than exposure alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can periodontal disease be reversed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Only at the gingivitis stage. Once periodontitis sets in, it&#8217;s managed rather than reversed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is periodontitis reversible once diagnosed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, but it can be stabilised so it stops progressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the early signs of periodontal disease?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bleeding gums, bad breath, and mild swelling are usually the first signs to watch for.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gums bleed a little when you brush. Most people don&#8217;t think twice. Maybe they went too hard with the brush&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":854,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[228,230,229],"class_list":["post-853","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-can-periodontal-disease-be-reversed","tag-is-periodontal-disease-contagious","tag-is-periodontitis-reversible"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/853","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=853"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/853\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":857,"href":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/853\/revisions\/857"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/854"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=853"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=853"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redhousedental.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=853"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}