Gum health

What is gum disease / gingivitis?

Reviewed by Dr. Samuel Bacon, DDS (dentist). Last reviewed November 3, 2026.

Status: Approved

Short answer: Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place, usually caused by plaque buildup. Gingivitis is the early stage: red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. The ADA says gingivitis can usually be reversed with a professional cleaning and good daily brushing and flossing. Untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages gums and bone.

The stages

  • Gingivitis: inflamed gums that may bleed when you brush. The ADA says it's reversible at this stage.
  • Periodontitis: the infection spreads below the gumline. Gums can pull away from the teeth, and the bone that supports them can be damaged.

Causes and risk factors

Plaque that isn't removed hardens into tartar, which NIDCR says only a professional cleaning can remove. NIDCR says smoking or tobacco use is the most significant risk factor. Others include older age, diabetes, genetics, stress, hormone changes, and some illnesses and the medicines used to treat them.

Signs

Gum disease is often painless at first. See Signs of gum disease and Why do my gums bleed?

How it's found and treated

NIDCR says the dentist or hygienist uses a small probe to measure the space between your teeth and gums. In a healthy mouth it's 1 to 3 millimeters. Treatment can include a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. Some people are referred to a periodontist, a gum specialist. See Regular cleaning vs. deep cleaning.

Gum disease and overall health

The ADA says some studies suggest severe gum disease may be associated with other health conditions, such as diabetes or stroke. Researchers are still studying the link.

If swelling spreads toward your eye or neck, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, if you have swelling, call your dentist right away.

At Indy Smile Group

We check your gums at every exam. All three of our offices do cleanings, deep cleanings and other initial gum disease treatment, and gum maintenance, in-house. Gum grafting and advanced gum surgery are referred to a periodontist. For gum disease, we recommend cleanings every 3 months. We're in-network with Delta Dental, Anthem, Humana, Liberty Dental and CareSource. Through the Connection Dental and Zelis networks we're also in-network with many PPO plans from Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Ameritas, Principal, Sun Life, GEHA and UMR. We accept Indiana Medicaid and Medicare dental plans. Coverage depends on your plan. We check your benefits and give you a written estimate before any treatment, including emergency treatment. See our teeth cleaning pages for Fishers, Carmel and North Indy.

Next step

Ready to talk it through with a dentist? Book online or call the office closest to you.

Frequently asked questions

Can gingivitis go away?
The ADA says gingivitis can usually be reversed with a professional cleaning and good daily brushing and flossing.

Can I have gum disease without symptoms?
Yes. The ADA says gum disease is often painless, which is why regular checkups matter.

Does gum disease cause other health problems?
The ADA says some studies suggest severe gum disease may be associated with conditions such as diabetes or stroke. That's an association, not proof of cause.

Sources

  1. ADA MouthHealthy – Gum Disease
  2. NIDCR (NIH) – Gum Disease

Last reviewed: November 3, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Samuel Bacon, DDS (dentist)

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