{"id":1638,"date":"2026-10-15T14:49:41","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T05:49:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smiledigitaldc.com\/?p=1638"},"modified":"2026-10-15T14:53:36","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T05:53:36","slug":"gum-disease-progression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smiledigitaldc.com\/en\/gum-disease-progression\/","title":{"rendered":"Gum Disease Progression in Seomyeon, Busan: Which Stage Are Bleeding Gums?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gum disease usually starts as inflammation of the gums and progresses toward the bone beneath them (alveolar bone), and bleeding when brushing is the most common first sign. The early stage, where inflammation stays in the gums (gingivitis), can be expected to recover with proper care, while the stage that has spread to the bone (periodontitis) is evaluated through an examination before a treatment direction is decided. This article summarizes general information; your actual stage can only be known through an examination.<\/p>\n

How does gum disease start?<\/h2>\n

When the bacterial film (plaque) on tooth surfaces is not removed in time and hardens, it becomes tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and keeps irritating the gum margin, causing inflammation. As a result, the gums become swollen, red and bleed easily. At our Seomyeon dental clinic in Busan, many patients ask whether it is okay that their gums bleed when brushing, and this stage is often where gum disease begins.<\/p>\n

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis in gum disease progression?<\/h2>\n

The criterion that divides gum disease progression is how far the inflammation has spread. If it is only in the gums, it is gingivitis; once destruction begins in the bone and the tissue that holds the teeth, it is classified as periodontitis.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Role<\/th>\nExtent of inflammation<\/th>\nCommon changes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Gingivitis<\/strong><\/td>\nGum tissue<\/td>\nSwelling, red gums, bleeding when brushing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Early periodontitis<\/strong><\/td>\nDestruction has begun in the alveolar bone<\/td>\nDeeper gaps between gums and teeth (periodontal pockets), bad breath<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Advanced periodontitis<\/strong><\/td>\nConsiderable alveolar bone loss<\/td>\nReceding gums, gaps between teeth, loose teeth<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Gingivitis involves no bone loss and is known as a stage where recovery can be expected once the inflammation is reduced. In periodontitis, bone that has already been lost is unlikely to return to its original state naturally, so management generally focuses on controlling further progression.\"\uc787\ubab8\ubcd1<\/p>\n

Is it fine if there is no pain?<\/h2>\n

Not necessarily. Gum disease often causes little pain in the early and middle stages, so it is hard to judge your condition just because it does not hurt. If you notice any of the following changes, you may consider an examination.<\/p>\n