The two stages of gum disease
Gingivitis (early, reversible)
Caused by plaque and tartar build-up around the gum line. Gums become red, swollen, and bleed when you brush or floss. With a thorough professional clean and improved home care, gingivitis is fully reversible — usually within a few weeks.
Periodontitis (advanced)
When gingivitis is left untreated, infection works its way below the gum line and starts destroying the bone that holds your teeth in place. The damage is permanent, but the progression can be stopped with treatment and good maintenance.
Symptoms to watch for
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Receding gum line — teeth looking "longer"
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Tooth loss
How we treat it
Most cases respond to a comprehensive scale and clean, going both above and below the gum line to remove the plaque and tartar that's feeding the infection. Where pockets have deepened, root planing smooths the tooth roots so gums can re-attach. Both are non-surgical, non-invasive, and require minimal recovery time. Advanced cases may need flap surgery or soft-tissue grafts — Dr Li will walk you through options before anything happens.