How quickly does gum disease spread?

Varies: There are basically 2 forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis affects the gums only and is reversible. Periodontitis affects the all the supporting structures of the teeth; bone, gums, periodontal ligaments. These are generally chronic conditions but can become acute. They chronic forms spread or get worse slowly. Poor hygiene and lack of dental care are the main causes.

Multi factorial: Gum disease is multi factorial. What that means is that there are many reasons you may have gum disease. Consider aggressive periodontal disease spreads very quickly where as traditional chronic periodontitis may take longer to manifest bone loss. My advice is visit your dentist and have x-rays and full periodontal charting taken to evaluate your situation.

Varies...: We see patients in the beginning stages a pocket measurement of 4mm is the pre-cursor. If you are at this point, by all means have your dentist help you turn around your gum health. If you are already active, with 5mm or greater pocket measurements, it can spread faster, cause odor, bone loss, & eventually tooth loss. As it is bacterial, it is known to flow thru your system, not just your mouth.

Slowly: Gum disease is usually a slow steady disease. The sooner you begin treating it the less money and time you will invest. Make sure your dentist teaches you how to properly care for your teeth at home, this is the only way to prevent it from coming back once the dentist has treated it. As to time, it can take a year or two for normal gum disease to take hold, do not let that happen!

Slowly but..: Slowly but aggressively! it may take several months or years for a tooth to become 'loose'. But eventually it will. Get gum(periodontal) disease treated promptly and keep up with the maintenance to stop or reverse the disease.