What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a highly common infection of the gums, caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Many, many patients who visit our four convenient area locations have suffered from this problem. Gum or periodontal disease can cause a variety of noticeable irritations in your mouth or have no symptoms at all! Because of this fact, we recommend routine checkups every six months to keep an eye out for signs of gum disease that you may not catch at home. If left untreated, gum disease can cause pain, loose teeth, jawbone deterioration, and even tooth loss.

Common symptoms of gum disease are:

• red gums
• tender gums
• swollen gums
• bleeding gums
• teeth that have shifted out of place
• loose teeth
• receding gums or gums that pull away from the teeth
• chronic bad breath

If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact one of our offices immediately to schedule an exam.

Routine Cleanings

Fortunately, gum disease is an easily treatable dental issue if caught early. For many mild cases, all that is necessary is a routine dental cleaning! This cleaning allows us to remove bacteria and buildup from on and around your teeth, taking away the substances that are causing the infection. This process is gentle and painless. Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, you may still be suffering from the infection. Our skilled, highly trained dental hygienist can expertly identify and treat gum disease, even when you can’t see it yourself. 

Deep Cleanings

For more extensive cases of gum disease (with or without symptoms), we will suggest a scaling and root planing procedure. These techniques are designed to “deep clean” your mouth — removing bacteria from underneath your gums. Let’s talk about what to expect from a deep cleaning procedure:

1. Scaling removes tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth. Using a combination of electronic and manual scaling, your dental hygienist will gently scrape off the tartar and plaque that has built up since your last cleaning.
2. Root planing involves cleaning the periodontal pockets to prevent the spread of gum problems. Deep, clogged periodontal pockets trap plaque deposits deep inside the gums and can lead to gum inflammation. By cleaning out these pockets, inflammation can be stopped and prevented.
3. Polishing finishes the process by cleaning away any stains and brushing away any remaining dental debris.

Depending on how much plaque and tartar you have built up, this can take between one and two hours. We want to make sure we have removed all of the infection-causing material and restored your good oral health. We are proud to also offer PerioLase laser gum disease treatment. With complete accuracy, less discomfort, and quicker healing time, PerioLase will greatly improve your deep cleaning experience!

How To Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease happens to many people, but there are a few things you can do to prevent it. By following these simple steps, you can maintain a healthy, beautiful smile free of infection.

• Brush your teeth twice per day using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head.
• Floss once per day to remove any buildup in between your teeth.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Maintain a regular dental cleaning and exam schedule.

By following these steps, you can avoid the buildup of disease-causing agents in your mouth and catch any instances of infection that may occur early — before your teeth, gums, and jawbone see any real damage. We want to make sure you stay as healthy as possible. If you have any questions regarding preventive care, please feel free to ask.

Make An Appointment

Have you noticed periodontal disease symptoms? We can help. Contact one of our convenient Raleigh, NC area locations. Our phone numbers are listed here. You can also use our online form. We will be happy to help!