What is periodontology? Get to know gum disease
Bleeding when brushing, gum recession and loose teeth. What you should know about the signs, causes and treatment of gum disease.
Updated: 9 November 2026 · 1 min read
Periodontology is the specialty that deals with the health of the tissues that surround and support the teeth (the gums and jawbone). Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
How does gum disease start?
When the bacterial plaque that builds up on teeth is not cleaned away, the gums become inflamed. This first stage is called gingivitis: the gums turn red, swell and bleed when brushed. Treated at this stage, the gums usually return to health. If not, the inflammation spreads to the bone that holds the teeth and periodontitis develops.
Signs
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing,
- Red, swollen gums,
- Bad breath that does not go away,
- Gum recession, teeth that look longer,
- Loose teeth or gaps opening between them.
Risk factors
Poor oral care, smoking, diabetes, stress, some medicines, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy) and genetic predisposition raise the risk.
Treatment
Treatment starts with removing tartar and deposits below the gumline. Personal oral care training is the most important part of treatment. Advanced cases may need surgical methods. After treatment, regular maintenance visits help prevent the disease from coming back.
At our practice, gum disease is treated by our periodontist Dr. Nazlı Özdemir. For details, see our gum treatment page.
This article is for general information and does not replace an examination. The treatment that suits you is decided by your dentist after an examination.
