Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. It can be a result of poor hygiene, but some people are more prone to this type of infection. Symptoms may include bad breath, loose teeth and bleeding, swollen gums. There are many treatments available, depending on the severity of disease.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, starts from plaque build-up on the teeth. The harmful bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, causing gum infections, redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing, flossing, or chewing. If left untreated, bone loss, receding gums, and tooth loss from the active bacterial infection can happen.

At Gentle Dental, we are a multi-specialty practice with Periodontists on staff. Our doctors, dental hygienists, and periodontists work together to identify and treat gum disease early to help patients keep and maintain healthy teeth.

If it’s time for your dental hygiene visit or if you would like your local dentist at Gentle Dental to check the health of your gums, visit a Gentle Dental near you. Schedule an appointment today.

Periodontal Disease Progression

There are several stages of gum disease from gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease, to slight, moderate, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis or early gum disease is treatable and, in many cases, reversible with a non-invasive hygiene visit. This procedure is called gingivitis therapy. Periodontal therapy is a deep cleaning that targets the area above and below your gum line, where flossing and brushing cannot reach. Our qualified dental hygienists and dentists will remove the plaque, calculus (tartar), and bacteria hiding below the gum line and on the surface of the teeth. By eliminating the bacteria, swelling will decrease. Most, if not all, bleeding will stop, and the gum tissue will reattach to the teeth, preventing further bone and tooth loss.

In advanced periodontitis, treatment may require gum surgery along with regenerative procedures to help restore lost gum tissue or bone grafting to help regenerate and stabilize the bone. Regular dental check-ups and cleaning can help catch the disease early and safeguard against the progression of gum disease to an advanced stage.

Periodontal treatment methods depend upon the type and severity of the disease. Your dentist and dental hygienist at Gentle Dental will evaluate for periodontal disease and recommend the appropriate gum disease treatment.

For more information about the progression of periodontal disease, click