Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth.
It often develops slowly and without pain, which is why many people don’t realize it’s present until it has already caused damage.
When the gums are not healthy, the goal is not just to “clean the teeth”—it’s to treat the infection and create an environment that can be maintained long-term.
Common signs may include:
Not all patients notice symptoms, which is why regular exams are important.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that collect around the teeth and below the gumline.
Over time, this can lead to inflammation and breakdown of the bone and tissues that support the teeth.
There are also factors that affect how your body responds, including:
Treatment is based on what we see clinically.
When periodontal disease is present, we begin with periodontal therapy to remove bacteria and buildup below the gumline. This is necessary to control the infection and stabilize the gums.
This is different from a routine cleaning, which is only appropriate when the gums are already healthy.
If the condition requires care beyond what we provide in-office, referral to a periodontist may be recommended.
Gum disease requires ongoing maintenance.
Our goal is to control the infection and maintain stability over time. This typically involves continued care at intervals based on your condition and risk.
No. A routine cleaning is designed to maintain healthy gums. When infection is present, treatment must go deeper than what a standard cleaning can address.
Antibiotics alone do not treat gum disease. The bacteria must be physically removed. In some cases, antibiotics may be used alongside treatment, but they are not a substitute for it.
