Understanding Gum Disease and Its Effects

Understanding Periodontal (Gum) Disease and Its Impact on Oral Health

Very red or bleeding gums, tooth loss, and bad breath are classic symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is strongly linked to heart disease and stroke. In our office, the team of our doctors at Elegantly Dental, along with our hygienists, will diagnose and treat gum disease in a customized fashion because not all cases are the same in everyone’s mouth. Gum disease is a silent condition that often goes unnoticed until gum and bone damage is severe enough that it can’t be ignored. If you suspect you may have gum disease, don’t hesitate to get the periodontic gum therapy you need.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Candidacy for Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease treatments are typically appropriate for most patients. Healthy gums are characterized by pale pink color and firmness, snugly fitting around each tooth base. If your gums deviate from these standards, you may qualify for gum disease treatments to enhance your oral health. Signs that treatment may be necessary include:

Swollen or puffy gums
Red or purple gum tissue
Tender gums
Gums that bleed easily
Bad breath
Receding gum tissue

Gum Disease Treatment Options

There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is marked by tender, bleeding gums, often treatable with more frequent dental hygiene appointments at our office. We may also recommend medicated mouthwash to enhance your home oral care routine and prevent further gum infection.

Periodontitis is a more advanced form, characterized by chronic bad breath, loose teeth, pus between teeth, and a persistent unpleasant taste. Our dentists offer scaling and root planing or laser gum therapy to treat periodontitis. These treatments effectively eliminate bacteria and plaque from below the gum line, ensuring the long-term health of your teeth and gums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Early gum disease doesn't always hurt, which is why regular dental checkups are so important. Signs to watch for include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, swollen or puffy gum tissue, gums that look red or purple instead of a healthy pale pink, tenderness when touching the gums, persistent bad breath, and gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth. If you notice any of these, it's worth having your gums evaluated sooner rather than later.

Gingivitis is the earlier, milder stage of gum disease. It typically causes tender, bleeding gums but hasn't yet affected the bone. At this stage, the condition is often reversible with more frequent professional cleanings and improved home care. Periodontitis is the more advanced form, where the infection has spread below the gum line and begun breaking down the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place.

After active periodontal treatment, most patients transition to a maintenance schedule of cleanings every three to four months rather than the standard twice-yearly visits. This more frequent schedule helps keep bacteria levels below the threshold that triggers disease progression and allows your hygienist to monitor healing and catch any early signs of recurrence. Staying on your maintenance schedule is one of the most important things you can do to protect the investment of your treatment.

Periodontal Gum Therapy in Orlando, FL

Understanding Gum Disease and Its Effects

Understanding Periodontal (Gum) Disease and Its Impact on Oral Health

Candidacy for Gum Disease Treatment

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Frequently Asked Questions

From Urgent Fixes to Long-term Smile Upgrades—we’re Ready When You Are.

What Our Patients are Saying

Our Convenient Locations

Ocoee Office

MetroWest Office

Sand Lake Office