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Gum Disease & Periodontics
We work diligently to prevent gum disease in our patients. It's an incredibly common condition — most adults will experience some form of it during their lifetime. The challenge is that left unchecked, it can lead to bone and tooth loss, which is exactly why both preventing and treating it early matters so much.
Causes of Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar are the primary cause — when they get trapped between teeth and gums or under the gum tissue, gums become irritated and swollen. Everyone deals with plaque; it's the buildup underneath the gums specifically that causes real problems. Pregnancy, diabetes, and smoking are additional risk factors, since they restrict blood flow to the gums.
Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
Keep teeth clean: brush two to three times a day in a circular motion, moving food particles and plaque away from the gums toward the center of the mouth. Floss daily, reaching all the way down rather than stopping at the gumline, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill lingering bacteria. Twice-yearly professional cleanings matter too — plaque is hard to fully remove at home, and tartar is too hard to remove by brushing and flossing alone. Stopping smoking, keeping blood sugar under control, and drinking plenty of water all support gum health as well.
Common Signs
Red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, teeth that look like they're getting longer (a sign of recession), and loose teeth are all worth an exam sooner rather than later.
Treatment Options
Early-stage cases often just need a standard cleaning. More advanced cases may call for periodontal infection therapy (an antiseptic rinse to fight bacteria), a deep cleaning (done across four visits, one quadrant of the mouth at a time, to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gum tissue), gum grafts (restoring tissue that's receded, using tissue from the roof of the mouth or a donor), or antibiotics alongside other treatment to clear lingering infection.
When a Bone Graft Is Needed
Severe, prolonged gum disease can cause the jawbone itself to lose density as the gums recede and expose more of the tooth and root to bacteria. In advanced cases, a bone graft — placing synthetic bone to encourage regrowth — may be necessary. Catching gum disease early is what typically prevents this from ever becoming necessary.