Periodontics
Periodontics: Gum disease signs and treatments
Healthy gums hold your teeth in place. When they start to go, the teeth eventually follow, so we treat gum problems early, gently, and without the scare tactics.
Gum disease is one of the most common conditions we see. It usually doesn't hurt at first, and it is very treatable when caught early. If your gums bleed, swell, or pull away from your teeth, that is worth a look.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place, caused by plaque and tartar building up along and below the gumline.
The early stage, gingivitis, is reversible.
The advanced stage, periodontitis, can permanently damage the bone that supports your teeth. Both are treatable, and the earlier it is caught, the simpler the fix.
The stages of gum disease
01
Gingivitis
The earliest stage.
Gums are red, puffy, and bleed easily, but the bone underneath is still healthy. Gingivitis is fully reversible with a professional cleaning and better home care.
02
Early to moderate periodontitis
Plaque has spread below the gumline and the gums begin to pull away, forming pockets that trap bacteria. Some bone loss starts here. This stage needs a deeper cleaning to stop it from progressing.
03
Advanced periodontitis
The pockets deepen, more bone is lost, and teeth can loosen or shift. Treatment here focuses on saving the teeth and stabilizing what is left. This is exactly what we work to prevent by catching things early.
Signs worth watching for
Any one of these on its own may be minor. Do not wait for pain, because gum disease is often painless until it is advanced. It is easiest to reverse before it takes hold.
The first signs something is off
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gums that are pulling back from your teeth, making them look longer
Bad breath or a bad taste that won't go away
Teeth that feel loose or seem to have shifted
What causes it
Plaque is the main driver, but a few things raise your risk: smoking or vaping, diabetes, certain medications that cause dry mouth, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and simply going too long between cleanings.
Gum health is also tied to your overall health, and conditions like diabetes and gum disease tend to feed each other. If you have a health condition that affects your gums, tell us so we can plan around it.
Smoking or vaping
Diabetes
Dry-mouth medications
Pregnancy / hormonal changes
Long gaps between cleanings
How we treat it
01
We measure and look. We check the health of your gums, measure the pocket around each tooth, and take X-rays if needed to see the bone below the surface.
02
A deeper cleaning. If tartar has built up below the gumline, we remove it with a gentle deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing. We numb the area first so you stay comfortable, and we often do it in sections over more than one visit.
03
A plan to keep it stable. Once your gums are healthier, we set a maintenance schedule and show you exactly what to watch for at home.
Keeping gum disease from coming back
Once you have had gum disease, your gums need a little extra attention to stay healthy. Most patients come in every three to four months for periodontal maintenance instead of the usual six. These visits keep the pockets clean and catch any flare-up before it spreads. We will explain why this matters in your specific case.
What happens if you wait
Gum disease does not reverse on its own, and it does not stay still. Untreated, it moves from bleeding gums to bone loss to loose and lost teeth, and replacing teeth costs far more than treating gums. The good news is that early treatment is simple and highly effective. The sooner we look, the less there is to do.
What it costs
If you have dental insurance, we file your claim for you, and periodontal care is often covered.
No insurance?
For patients keeping gum disease in check, our in-house Perio plan is $70 a month and covers periodontal maintenance every three months, exams, and X-rays, plus 20% off most other treatment. Benefits start right away, with no claim forms and no waiting period.
See Our In-House Plan $70/mo
No insurance? Our in-house dental plan provides discounts on care and starts at just $70 per month — so cost doesn't keep you from the smile you've been picturing.
Gum disease common questions
Is bleeding when I brush normal?
No. Healthy gums do not bleed with normal brushing or flossing. Occasional bleeding can mean early gum disease, which is very treatable, so it is worth mentioning at your next visit.
Can gum disease be reversed?
The earliest stage, gingivitis, can be fully reversed. Once it advances to periodontitis and bone is lost, we can stop it and stabilize your gums, but the lost bone does not grow back. That is why early care matters.
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
We numb the area first, so the cleaning itself is comfortable. Your gums may feel a little tender for a day or two afterward, and we will tell you how to ease that.
Why do I need cleanings every three months instead of six?
After gum disease, plaque and tartar rebuild faster in the pockets around your teeth. More frequent maintenance keeps those areas clean and protects the bone you still have.
Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Yes. Research connects gum disease with conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Keeping your gums healthy is part of keeping the rest of you healthy.
Let's check your gums
A quick evaluation tells you where your gum health stands and what, if anything, to do about it. Request an appointment online, or call us.
We see patients Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Request an Appointment (757) 529-2733