Gum diseases are a series of oral health problems that threaten oral health and lead to inflammation in the gums. These diseases are usually the result of bacterial infections caused by plaque buildup on the gums. Gum diseases are divided into two main categories: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and presents with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. At this stage, gum disease is generally reversible and can be treated with regular oral care. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress into a more serious condition called periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease and can damage not only the gums but also the bone structure that supports the teeth. Periodontitis can lead to gum recession, loosening of the teeth, and ultimately tooth loss. This condition not only affects oral health but can also threaten overall health. Gum diseases are also linked to serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and low birth weight. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases are of great importance for both oral and general health.

Who Gets Gum Diseases?

Gum diseases are a common health problem that can affect people of all ages. However, some individuals are more susceptible to these diseases. First and foremost, inadequate oral hygiene is one of the primary causes of gum diseases. People who do not brush their teeth regularly, do not use dental floss, or do not visit the dentist for regular check-ups are at higher risk of developing gum disease. In addition, the likelihood of developing gum disease increases significantly in individuals who smoke. Smoking damages the gums, reduces resistance to infections, and accelerates the progression of the disease.

Genetic factors also play an important role in the occurrence of gum diseases. Individuals with a family history of gum disease may be more susceptible to these conditions. Furthermore, diseases that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, increase the risk of developing gum disease. Hormonal changes can also cause gum sensitivity in women. Especially during pregnancy, adolescence, menopause, and menstrual cycles, women become more vulnerable to gum diseases. Stress can also trigger the development of gum diseases by weakening the immune system. As a result, gum diseases can be seen in people of all ages due to many factors, from inadequate oral hygiene to genetic predisposition.

Are Gum Diseases Dangerous?

Although gum diseases are often underestimated, they can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Mild gum diseases such as gingivitis can be reversed with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. However, if not treated, this condition can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause severe damage to the gums and the bone structure that supports the teeth. This leads to serious consequences such as tooth loss, gum recession, and tooth mobility. Additionally, when periodontitis is not treated, there is a risk that the infection may spread throughout the body, which can adversely affect overall health.

The danger of gum diseases is not limited to oral health alone. Research shows that gum diseases are linked to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, and low birth weight during pregnancy. Gum diseases can cause chronic inflammation in the body, increasing the risk of developing such conditions. For example, periodontitis can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, paving the way for cardiovascular diseases. In individuals with diabetes, gum diseases can make blood sugar control more difficult. For all these reasons, early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum diseases are of great importance. To protect yourself from the dangers of gum diseases, it is necessary to adopt regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and healthy lifestyle habits.

What Are the Treatments for Gum Diseases?

The treatment of gum diseases varies depending on the stage and severity of the disease. Gum diseases are generally examined in two main groups as gingivitis and periodontitis, and the treatment methods for both conditions are different. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and can usually be treated with professional cleaning by a dentist and regular oral hygiene. At this stage, plaque and tartar on the teeth are removed, and the gums begin to heal. Regular tooth brushing, flossing, and antiseptic mouthwashes help prevent the recurrence of gingivitis.

Periodontitis is a more advanced and serious stage of gum disease. In this case, treatment is more comprehensive and is usually carried out by a periodontist (gum disease specialist). Treatment of periodontitis includes cleaning the bacteria in the periodontal pockets, smoothing the root surfaces, and removing infected tissue. In more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical treatments include procedures such as gum flap surgery, bone grafts, soft tissue grafts, and gum regeneration. These procedures aim to rebuild the bone and tissue that support the teeth and improve the health of the gums. After treatment, regular dental visits and good oral hygiene are essential to prevent recurrence of the disease.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

The treatment of gum diseases is determined according to the severity of the disease and the current condition of the gums. Mild cases such as gingivitis can usually be treated with professional cleaning and regular oral hygiene to be practiced at home. The dentist removes plaque and tartar on the teeth and provides recommendations to reduce inflammation in the gums. At this stage, simple measures such as daily tooth brushing, using dental floss, and antiseptic mouthwash can stop the progression of the disease and help the gums regain their health.

In more advanced cases such as periodontitis, treatment may be more invasive. The first step is usually deep cleaning, during which root surfaces are smoothed and bacteria in the periodontal pockets are removed. This allows the gums to reattach to the tooth surface and prevents the spread of infection. When deep cleaning is not sufficient or when the periodontal pockets are very deep, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical treatment options include procedures such as gum flap surgery, bone grafts, and gum regeneration. These procedures aim to rebuild the bone and gum tissue that support the teeth and improve the health of the gums. After treatment, regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are of great importance to prevent the recurrence of gum disease.

Symptoms of Gum Diseases

Gum diseases usually present with noticeable and uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms may be mild in the early stage of the disease but can become more severe as it progresses. One of the most common symptoms of gum disease is bleeding gums. Bleeding of the gums while brushing or flossing is often one of the first signs of gingivitis. In addition, redness, swelling, and tenderness in the gums are also common. These symptoms indicate the presence of inflammation and infection in the gums.

As gum diseases progress, the symptoms become more pronounced. Gum recession can cause the roots of the teeth to be exposed, which can lead to tooth sensitivity. In addition, symptoms such as the formation of gaps between teeth and shifting of the teeth can be observed. Persistent bad breath (halitosis) and a bad taste in the mouth are signs that gum diseases are advancing. In advanced stages such as periodontitis, the teeth may become loose and even fall out. If any of these symptoms are noticed, it is important to consult a dentist. Early diagnosis is critical for treating gum diseases and preventing more serious complications.

What Causes Gum Diseases?

The main cause of gum diseases is plaque buildup on the teeth due to insufficient attention to oral hygiene. Plaque is a sticky layer that forms on the teeth and consists of bacteria, saliva, and food particles. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which leads to gum inflammation. Inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis, and if left untreated, this disease can progress into more serious gum diseases such as periodontitis. Periodontitis can damage the bone structure that supports the teeth and lead to tooth loss. Inadequate oral hygiene is the most common cause of gum disease, but other factors may also play a role in the development of the disease.

Smoking is an important factor that accelerates the development of gum diseases. Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and weakens the immune system, lowering resistance to infections. In addition, genetic predisposition is one of the causes of gum diseases. People with a family history of gum disease may be more susceptible to these conditions. Diabetes, immune system disorders, and hormonal changes are other factors that contribute to the occurrence of gum diseases. For example, changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, adolescence, menopause, and menstrual cycles make the gums more sensitive and increase the risk of inflammation. As a result, although the main cause of gum diseases is inadequate oral hygiene, lifestyle and genetic factors also play an important role in the development of the disease.

What Are the Types of Gum Diseases?

Gum diseases encompass various conditions that adversely affect oral health. These diseases are generally divided into two main categories: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. This disease presents with redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis can usually be treated and is reversible with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress into a more serious condition called periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a more advanced and dangerous stage of gum disease. This disease causes damage to the bone and connective tissue underneath the gums. Periodontitis can lead to gum recession, loosening of the teeth, and tooth loss. Treatment of periodontitis usually includes deep cleaning, surgical interventions, and antibiotic therapy. There are different forms of periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis is the most common form and usually occurs in adults. Aggressive periodontitis progresses more rapidly and can be seen even at young ages. Necrotizing periodontal diseases are serious infections that usually occur in people with weakened immune systems and cause the death of gum tissue. These diseases seriously threaten oral health and can lead to systemic health problems if left untreated.

Gum Diseases Department

The diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases are carried out by the periodontology branch of dentistry. Periodontology is a specialty area concerned with the health of the gums, the bone structure that supports the teeth, and other surrounding tissues. Periodontists are dentists trained in the early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum diseases. The gum diseases department diagnoses problems in patients’ gums, creates treatment plans according to the stage of the disease, and takes the necessary measures to protect patients’ oral health. While early-stage gum diseases such as gingivitis can usually be treated by general dentists, more serious conditions such as periodontitis fall within the expertise of periodontists.

The periodontology department also includes treatments such as dental implants, bone grafts, and gum surgery in addition to gum diseases. Treatment of gum diseases includes various methods such as deep cleaning, root surface smoothing, antibiotic therapy, and surgical interventions. Periodontists also offer regular check-ups and maintenance programs to improve patients’ oral health and prevent recurrence of gum diseases. Applying to the gum diseases department is one of the most effective ways to protect your gum health and prevent possible complications.

Gum Disease Treatment Prices 2025

 This treatment includes simple procedures such as professional cleaning by the dentist and the removal of plaque and tartar. Gingivitis treatment is generally covered by insurance and can keep costs low. However, when untreated gingivitis progresses and more serious gum diseases such as periodontitis develop, treatment costs may increase.