02/01/2026
This is what untreated gum disease really looks like — beneath the surface.
The red, swollen tissue at the top represents advanced periodontal disease, where plaque bacteria have destroyed the gum attachment and supporting bone. What looks like a “simple bleeding gum” on the outside is, on the inside, a deep periodontal pocket filled with bacteria, toxins, and chronic inflammation.
Beneath the gums lie the tooth roots and jawbone — structures never meant to be exposed. As the infection progresses, the bone slowly dissolves, the gums recede, and teeth begin to loosen. At this stage, the problem is no longer just oral.
Advanced gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition linked to bacteria entering the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Once gum disease reaches this depth, brushing alone cannot reverse it. Treatment often requires deep periodontal therapy, surgical intervention, or tooth removal — all far more complex, costly, and invasive than early prevention.