You probably won’t see or feel the first signs of gum disease

Your mouth is full of bacteria that live off the food and sugars left behind after you eat. These bacteria can form sticky, gooey plaque.

Plaque releases acid that weakens your tooth enamel and irritates your gums. If you don’t brush, floss and get a dental cleaning every six months, the plaque can harden, and your gums will start telling you they’re in trouble.

Swollen gums (aka gingivitis)

Gingivitis — sensitive, swollen gums that bleed easily — is the first stage of gum disease. Bleeding while brushing or flossing is a sign of gum disease and means that your gums are not healthy. The good news? Getting dental cleanings can help stop gingivitis before it does permanent damage.

From gingivitis to periodontitis

Without treatment, your gums will pull away from your teeth, forming pockets. Plaque loves to party in dental pockets which can quickly become infected. Bacteria and your body’s attempt to fight them can break down the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in.

And then they’re gone

Your teeth will become loose as gum disease progresses. Left unchecked, your teeth may be become so loose that we have to remove them. Or, they may fall out on their own.

Did we scare you? Good!

Gum disease is bad stuff, but it can be treated. The earlier you start, the happier your teeth, and your overall health, will be.

How your dentist helps fight gum disease

Deep Cleaning

We use a process called scaling and root planning to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.

Learn about scaling and root planing

Perio Daily Defense in home gum treatments

Once you develop gum disease, it never completely goes away. You can treat it and help your gums recover with daily, in-home periodontic treatments like Perio Daily Defense.

Learn about Perio Daily Defense

Regular check-ups and cleanings

Nothing beats preventing gum disease before it happens. Regular visits to the dentist can help keep plaque and tartar in check, so you don’t develop gum disease.

Schedule a check-up

The stages of gum disease

Gum disease can progress from the minor bleeding and swelling of gingivitis to deep infections that attack the ligaments and bones that hold your teeth in place. If you have any of the signs or symptoms in this video, please schedule a visit. The health of your teeth and your heart are both at stake.

Make an appointment

Signs you may have gum disease

Your gums are tender, red or swollen
Your gums bleed easily and regularly
You see white spots or plaque on your gums
You have sores in your mouth
Your breath smells bad or you have a bad taste in your mouth
Your teeth move when you chew
Your teeth get wiggly or start spreading apart
Your bite changes or your teeth feel like they’re in a new place

If you experience any of these symptoms call us for an appointment. Your teeth, and your health, depend on stopping gum disease before it does more damage.

Gum disease

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