Gum Disease Treatment | What Causes It?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and surrounding bone that support your teeth. In its early stage, gingivitis, the gums may become swollen, red, and bleed easily. In the more advanced stage, called periodontitis, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, which can lead to tooth loosening or loss, and even bone deterioration in the jaw. While gum disease is most common in adults, it can also affect children. The root cause of most cases is poor oral hygiene.



Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to oral health. A recent report from the Dental Association, related to periodontitis, says that 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease and that it increase with age. 70.1% of adults, 65 years and older have periodontal disease and this condition is more common in men than women (56.4% vs 38.4).

Causes of Gum Disease

Gum disease begins when bacteria in the mouth infect the tissues that support your teeth. These bacteria produce plaque, a sticky film that forms on teeth. If not removed through brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which requires professional cleaning. Tartar can spread below the gum line, making the teeth harder to clean and allowing the disease to progress.

Gum Recession

Gum recession is a condition in which the gum tissue surrounding your teeth gradually pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This can create small pockets where harmful bacteria can collect, leading to further damage of the gum tissue and supporting bone structure. At Smile Dentistry, we often see patients with gum recession that has developed slowly over time, sometimes without noticeable symptoms. Common signs include increased tooth sensitivity, a tooth that appears longer than normal, or a small notch near the gum line. Recession is typically caused by periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, or poor oral hygiene that leads to plaque and tartar buildup. Our team offers biologically focused, minimally invasive treatment options to stop progression and restore gum health. Treatment begins with a local anesthetic, and each affected tooth typically takes about one hour to treat. Most patients experience little downtime, though we recommend avoiding spicy or abrasive foods for a few days to allow for proper healing.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are often the first visible sign of gum irritation or early-stage gum disease and should never be ignored. If you notice bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating, it may indicate plaque buildup, gum inflammation, or other underlying health concerns such as hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, or side effects from certain medications. At Smile Dentistry, we help patients identify the root cause of bleeding gums and develop a personalized treatment plan to address it. In many cases, a professional cleaning combined with improved at-home brushing and flossing habits can resolve the issue. However, if bleeding gums persist, deeper periodontal therapy may be required. Early treatment is key to preventing progression into more serious gum disease, so we encourage patients to schedule an evaluation at the first sign of concern.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that results from untreated gingivitis, leading to serious infection of the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. It causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets that collect bacteria and accelerate tissue and bone destruction. At Smile Dentistry, we treat periodontitis with a comprehensive approach that includes deep cleanings, known as scaling and root planing, as well as antibacterial therapies and, in severe cases, surgical intervention to stabilize the condition. Common symptoms include persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, loose or shifting teeth, and pain while chewing. Without treatment, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and affect your overall health. Our goal is to stop the disease from progressing, restore oral health, and help you maintain your natural teeth with personalized, ongoing care. If you are experiencing symptoms, early treatment can make a significant difference in your outcome.

Prevention and Treatment

Gum disease can be controlled and treated with a proper oral hygiene regimen and regular professional cleanings by our office. More severe forms of gum disease can also be treated successfully, however, they may require a more extensive treatment plan. Such treatment might include deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below your gums, medications, and sometimes corrective surgery. To help prevent or control gum diseases, it is important to brush and floss twice a day to remove any bacteria that causes gum disease and to book an appointment with our office twice per year for checkups, or more frequently if you have any of the warning signs or risk factors mentioned above.