Gum Disease
Gum Disease Treatment & Periodontal Care
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common but serious infection of the gums and supporting structures surrounding your teeth. Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, and because it often develops with little to no pain, many patients may not realize they have gum disease until it has progressed. During your routine dental exam and professional teeth cleaning, your dentist will check for early signs of gum disease by measuring the space between your teeth and gums and evaluating your overall oral health.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is primarily caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria that naturally forms on the teeth and along the gum line. If plaque is not properly removed through daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, it can harden into tartar and release toxins that irritate and damage the gums.
Over time, periodontal disease develops below the gum line and creates pockets between the teeth and gums where harmful bacteria can grow. These bacteria can lead to inflammation, infection, gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated. Gum disease generally progresses through two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is often characterized by red, swollen, tender gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. At this stage, gum disease is usually reversible with professional dental care, improved oral hygiene habits, routine periodontal cleanings, and consistent flossing and brushing at home.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress into periodontitis, an advanced stage of periodontal disease that can permanently damage the gums, jawbone, and supporting tissues around the teeth. As the infection worsens, teeth may become loose, shift out of place, or eventually require extraction. Advanced periodontal disease can also negatively affect overall health and has been linked to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Several factors may increase a patient’s risk of developing gum disease or worsening existing periodontal problems, including:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Diabetes and certain medical conditions
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Poor oral hygiene habits
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Ill-fitting dental bridges or restorations
- Old or damaged dental fillings
- Certain medications, including steroids, anti-epileptic drugs, cancer therapy medications, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives
- Genetics and family history of periodontal disease
Common Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease
Although gum disease may develop silently, common warning signs can include:
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Receding gums or gums pulling away from the teeth
- Chronic bad breath or a persistent bad taste
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Loose teeth or shifting teeth
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
- Changes in the fit of partial dentures
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule a periodontal evaluation as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
Treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity and progression of the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can help protect your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Common gum disease treatments may include:
- Professional dental cleanings
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
- At-home periodontal therapy trays
- Antibiotic periodontal treatments
- Laser gum therapy and laser periodontal surgery
- Traditional periodontal surgery
- Gum tissue treatments
- Dental implants for tooth replacement after tooth loss
Your dentist or periodontist will create a customized treatment plan designed to restore gum health and help prevent future periodontal problems.
Preventing Gum Disease
Preventive dental care and routine periodontal examinations are essential for maintaining healthy gums and a healthy smile. The good news is that gum disease is often preventable with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
To reduce your risk of periodontal disease:
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily
- Floss and clean between your teeth every day
- Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings
- Avoid tobacco products
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Address dental concerns early before they worsen
With consistent dental care and early treatment, you can protect your gums, preserve your natural teeth, and maintain long-term oral health for years to come.
Other General Dentistry Services
Preventive Care | Peosta Dental
Good oral health starts with prevention. Regular brushing, flossing, rinsing, healthy eating, and routine dental visits help protect your teeth and gums while reducing the risk of cavities, plaque buildup, and future dental problems. With simple daily habits and consistent checkups, you can keep your smile healthy, clean, and confident for years to come.
Common Dental Procedures | Peosta Dental
At Peosta Dental, we provide comprehensive preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures to help patients maintain healthy, confident smiles. From routine dental exams and cleanings to crowns, bridges, fillings, root canals, veneers, and wisdom teeth removal, our experienced dental team offers personalized care using modern dental technology and patient-focused treatment solutions. Whether you need preventive maintenance or advanced restorative dentistry, we are committed to helping you achieve long-term oral health.
TMJ-TMD | Peosta Dental
General Dentistry TMJ-TMD Treatment Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), often referred to as TMJ disorder, affects millions of Americans each year and can lead to chronic facial pain, jaw discomfort, recurring headaches, neck pain, and difficulty with everyday activities such as eating and speaking. Because the symptoms of TMD can develop gradually, many people may not realize […]
Snoring Prevention | Peosta Dental
Improve your sleep and reduce chronic snoring with custom oral appliance therapy designed to keep your airway open and promote quieter, healthier nights.
Sleep Apnea | Peosta Dental
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can affect your energy, breathing, heart health, and overall quality of life. Our custom oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable, non-invasive solution designed to help reduce snoring, improve airflow, and promote deeper, more restful sleep. If you struggle with daytime fatigue, loud snoring, or interrupted sleep, our team can help you explore effective sleep apnea treatment options tailored to your needs.
Digital X-Rays | Peosta Dental
Advanced digital dental X-rays provide safer, faster, and more accurate imaging to help detect cavities, bone loss, impacted teeth, and other hidden oral health concerns early. Using modern low-radiation technology, digital radiography improves diagnostics, enhances patient comfort, and supports more precise preventive and restorative dental care.
Laser Dentistry | Peosta Dental
Discover advanced laser dentistry for comfortable, precise dental treatments with faster healing, less discomfort, and improved results. Learn about soft tissue and hard tissue laser dental procedures.
Intraoral Camera | Peosta Dental
Discover how advanced intraoral camera technology helps detect cavities, cracked teeth, plaque buildup, and other dental concerns early with high-definition digital imaging. Our modern dental technology allows patients to see real-time images of their teeth and better understand their oral health for more accurate, comfortable, and preventive dental care.
Emergency Dental Care | Peosta Dental
Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Our emergency dental care services provide fast, compassionate treatment for severe toothaches, broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, swelling, infections, and other urgent dental problems to help restore your comfort and oral health quickly.
