Gingivitis and periodontitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums: redness, puffiness and bleeding. It's reversible with a professional cleaning and better daily care. Left alone, it can become periodontitis, where the bone and tissue holding teeth in place begin to break down. That damage doesn't grow back on its own, but treatment stops it from getting worse.
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bad breath that doesn't go away
- Gums pulling back from teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted
How we treat it
We start by measuring the pockets between your gums and teeth and taking X-rays to see the bone. For active periodontitis, the usual first step is scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning: we numb the area and clean below the gumline to remove the tartar and bacteria driving the infection, then smooth the root surfaces so gums can reattach.
Afterward, most patients come in every three or four months for periodontal maintenance. Our hygienist Pat has advanced training in periodontal therapy and decades of experience keeping patients' gums stable. If your case needs surgery, we'll refer you to a periodontist we trust and keep caring for you here.
Why it matters beyond your mouth
Research links gum disease with diabetes and heart disease, and inflammation in the mouth makes blood sugar harder to control. Keeping your gums healthy is part of looking after your overall health.