You might be wondering, “How did things get this bad?” Well, gum disease doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It’s a gradual process, and understanding the stages can help you prevent it.

1. Plaque Formation: It all starts with plaque, the colorless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth when sugars and starches in food mix with bacteria. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which you can’t get rid of by brushing alone.
2. Gum Irritation: The buildup of plaque and tartar irritates your gums, causing inflammation. This is the beginning stage, also known as gingivitis.
3. Advanced Infection: As gum irritation worsens, pockets form between your gums and teeth. Bacteria fill these pockets, leading to infection and the destruction of gum tissue and bone. This is full-blown periodontitis.