What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting structures around your teeth.
It can begin with bleeding or swollen gums and may progress to affect the bone that holds your teeth in place.
Many people do not realize they have periodontal disease until a dental exam shows deeper gum pockets, inflammation, or changes in bone support.
The important thing to know is that periodontal disease can be treated and managed. The goal is to control the disease and help you keep your natural teeth.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Healthy gums fit closely around your teeth.
When bacteria and plaque collect along the gumline, the gums can become inflamed. If that inflammation progresses, the gum tissue can begin to pull away from the teeth and form deeper spaces called periodontal pockets.
Those pockets can collect bacteria, plaque, and tartar below the gumline, where brushing and flossing alone may not be enough to remove them.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease.
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
Gingivitis affects the gum tissue and can often be reversed with professional cleaning and good home care.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease.
- Deeper gum pockets
- Gum recession
- Bone loss
- Loose teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Tooth loss
Periodontitis is generally managed rather than reversed once supporting bone has been lost.
How Do I Know If I Have Periodontal Disease?
Some people notice symptoms. Others have very few warning signs.
Bleeding gums are common, but regular bleeding is still a reason to have your gums evaluated.
How We Check Your Gums
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by looking at several pieces of information together.
At Spring Valley Dental Group, an evaluation may include:
- Measuring gum pocket depths
- Checking for bleeding around the gums
- Looking for gum recession
- Evaluating plaque and tartar buildup
- Reviewing bone levels on dental X rays
- Checking for tooth mobility or bite changes
- Reviewing health history and other risk factors
Those are gum measurements. They help us understand how closely the gums are attached to the teeth and whether deeper pockets are present.
Why Does Periodontal Disease Matter?
Your teeth depend on healthy gums and bone for support.
When periodontal disease damages those structures, the teeth can become less stable over time.
The goal of treatment is to reduce bacteria below the gumline, control inflammation, and help protect the gums and bone that support your teeth.
Regular Cleaning vs Periodontal Treatment
A regular cleaning and periodontal treatment are not the same type of care.
Regular Dental Cleaning
A regular cleaning is preventive care for patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis. It focuses on removing plaque and tartar and helping maintain gum health.
Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal treatment is recommended when deeper gum pockets, tartar below the gumline, inflammation, or bone loss are present.
This may include scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning.
Periodontal Maintenance
After periodontal disease has been treated, some patients need periodontal maintenance visits rather than routine cleanings.
These visits help monitor the gums more closely and control bacteria below the gumline over time.
What Happens Next If I Have Periodontal Disease?
The next step depends on what we find during your exam.
Improved Home Care
Brushing and cleaning between the teeth remain important parts of controlling gum disease.
Professional Cleaning
Patients with gingivitis or mild inflammation may improve with professional cleaning and better home care.
Scaling and Root Planing
When tartar and bacteria extend deeper below the gumline, scaling and root planing may be recommended to clean the tooth surfaces below the gums.
Periodontal Maintenance
After active periodontal treatment, more frequent maintenance visits may be recommended to help keep the disease controlled.
Ongoing Monitoring
Your gum measurements, bleeding, bone levels, tooth stability, and home care can be monitored over time so changes are identified early.
The treatment plan is based on the stage of disease and what your gums and supporting bone need.
Periodontal Disease Is Not About Blame
A periodontal diagnosis can be frustrating or embarrassing, especially if you did not know anything was wrong.
Gum disease can be influenced by many factors, including:
Having periodontal disease does not automatically mean you have neglected your teeth. The diagnosis simply gives us information about what is happening so we can decide what care is appropriate.
When Should I Schedule a Dental Visit?
It is worth having your gums evaluated if you notice:
- Gums that bleed regularly
- Persistent bad breath
- Swelling or tenderness
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Changes in your bite
- Difficulty chewing
- A denture or partial that suddenly fits differently
You should also have regular dental exams even if your gums feel fine, because periodontal disease does not always cause noticeable symptoms early.
What Is the Goal of Periodontal Treatment?
The goal is to help you keep your natural teeth.
That means controlling infection and inflammation, protecting the support around the teeth, and creating a maintenance plan that helps keep the disease stable over time.
At Spring Valley Dental Group, we will explain what we are seeing, what your gum measurements mean, and why a particular type of care may be recommended.
Request an AppointmentFAQs About Periodontal Disease
These answers explain the basics of periodontal disease, including how it starts, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment may involve.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. In more advanced cases, it can affect the bone that holds the teeth in place.
Is periodontal disease the same as gum disease?
Yes. Periodontal disease is the clinical term commonly used for gum disease. It includes gingivitis as well as more advanced periodontitis.
What are the first signs of periodontal disease?
Early signs may include bleeding gums, redness, swelling, tenderness, or persistent bad breath. Some people do not notice symptoms, which is why regular dental exams are important.
Can periodontal disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. If periodontal disease progresses, it can damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Over time, this may lead to loose teeth or tooth loss.
Can periodontal disease be reversed?
Gingivitis can often be reversed. Periodontitis is usually managed rather than fully reversed once bone loss has occurred.
Why might I need periodontal maintenance instead of a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning is preventive care. Periodontal maintenance is used after gum disease has been diagnosed or treated and is designed to help control bacteria below the gumline and monitor the gums more closely.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Treatment depends on the stage of disease and may include improved home care, professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, and ongoing monitoring.
Should I see a dentist if my gums bleed?
Yes. Regular bleeding can be a sign of gum inflammation and should be evaluated to determine whether gingivitis, periodontitis, or another issue is present.