How does gum disease develop?
Gum disease starts when dental plaque builds up—a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and along the gumline. If not removed with at-home oral hygiene and professional cleanings, plaque hardens into tartar, which can irritate and inflame the gums. This early stage is called gingivitis, and it often causes:
- Swollen gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Gum redness or tenderness
- Gums that easily bleed when you brush or floss
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. At this stage, the inflammation spreads deeper, damaging the soft tissues and bone that support teeth. Over time, this can lead to receding gums, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
How is gum disease treated?
Gum disease treatment can sound scary, but many patients are pleased to discover that it rarely involves surgery. In fact, gingivitis treatment involves regular cleanings and good at-home oral hygiene. However, moderate to advanced gum disease may require more advanced treatment with deep teeth cleaning, which involves:
- Scaling: This procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface and deep periodontal pockets you can’t reach at home.
- Root planing: The dentist smooths the root surfaces of your teeth to remove rough spots that attract harmful bacteria. Planning also encourages gums to reattach to your teeth as they heal. Deep teeth cleaning usually involves more than one visit and anesthesia for a positive experience.
For many patients, deep cleaning is enough to treat gum disease. But if the pockets are too deep, you may need advanced care, such as flap surgery, to reach the affected areas. In more severe cases, tissue regeneration may help restore damaged gums, and some teeth may need to be removed if they can’t be saved. No matter where you are in your journey, we’ll be with you every step of the way to restore your gum health.
