Gum Care and Disease Prevention

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding your teeth and is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Often painless, many people are unaware they have it. During your regular checkups, we screen for signs of gum disease by measuring the spaces between your teeth and gums to catch any issues early.

What Leads to Gum Disease?

Gum disease develops when plaque—a sticky layer of bacteria—builds up on the teeth. Without proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, plaque produces toxins that can harm your gums.

Periodontal disease occurs beneath the gum line, forming small pockets that separate the gums from the teeth. It progresses in two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis — The earliest stage of gum disease, where gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, the condition is reversible with consistent daily brushing, flossing, and professional care.
Periodontitis — If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the gums and supporting bone are permanently damaged, which can lead to loose teeth, tooth loss, or the need for dental extraction.

Risk Factors That Contribute to Gum Disease

Smoking or using chewing tobacco
Diabetes
Medications such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer treatments, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives
Ill-fitting dental bridges
Crooked or misaligned teeth
Worn or old dental fillings
Pregnancy

Signs and Symptoms That May Indicate Gum Disease Include:

Gums that bleed easily
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
Pus forming between the teeth and gums
Loose or shifting permanent teeth
Changes in the way your teeth come together when biting
Changes in the fit of partial dentures

Gum Disease Treatment and Care

Gum disease treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Common approaches include:

Non-surgical treatments, including at-home periodontal trays and scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
Periodontal surgery, including traditional or laser gum surgery
Dental implants to replace teeth lost due to advanced gum disease

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Routine dental checkups and periodontal exams are essential for protecting both your oral health and your overall well-being. Gum disease doesn’t have to lead to tooth loss—maintaining good oral hygiene at home can greatly reduce your risk.

Be sure to brush your teeth regularly, floss daily, eat a balanced diet, and visit your dentist consistently to keep your smile healthy and strong.

Explore Our Helpful Video Guides

Gingivitis

This video explains the early signs of gingivitis and how regular dental visits can prevent it. Learn about effective treatments and simple habits that keep your gums healthy and inflammation-free.

Periodontitis

Explore the stages of periodontitis and its impact on your dental health. This video highlights how to detect it early and the steps you can take to prevent further damage to your gums and teeth.

Prophy vs Scaling and Root Planing

Understand the difference between prophy cleaning and scaling/root planing. This video helps explain when each is necessary to maintain gum health and prevent future complications like gum disease.

Plaque and Calculus

Watch how plaque and calculus build up and their impact on gum health. This video shows how professional cleanings remove these deposits, ensuring your gums remain healthy and free from disease.

Consequences of Bone Loss

This video explains how bone loss affects your teeth and gums. Learn how early detection and regular checkups can prevent this condition from progressing and impacting your overall oral health.

Gingival Recession

This video explains the causes of gingival recession and how it affects your gum health. Learn how early detection and proper care can prevent further recession and maintain a healthy smile.

Peri-Implant Mucositis

Discover how peri-implant mucositis can affect your dental implants and gums. This video demonstrates how monitoring gum health can prevent inflammation and ensure the longevity of your implants.

Peri-Implantitis

Learn about peri-implantitis and its impact on your dental implants. This video emphasizes the importance of regular gum health monitoring to prevent infection and protect the success of your implants.