Gum disease is the leading reason adults lose teeth, and yet it often develops quietly. Research shows periodontal disease affects a large portion of the adult population, and many people only notice it once damage has started. At Lesley Holloway the Dentist, we focus on clear explanations, early detection, and personalized care so patients understand their options and can protect their long-term oral health.
Gum disease starts when bacteria in dental plaque accumulate along the gumline and around tooth roots. Left undisturbed, that plaque hardens into tartar and creates an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. The body responds with inflammation — primarily in the gums at first — and that inflammatory response is what leads to the tissue changes people notice over time.
Because early stages of gum disease are often painless, many people are unaware anything is wrong. Routine brushing and flossing reduce the bacterial load, but gaps in daily care or irregular professional cleanings allow plaque to rebuild. Other factors — including smoking, certain medications, hormone changes, and systemic health conditions — can make gum tissues more vulnerable.
Recognizing the early signs and acting quickly makes a major difference. Preventive steps and timely treatment can control infection, stop tissue breakdown, and preserve natural teeth. Below are common warning signs that suggest a dental exam is needed.
Watch for these warning signs:
Gums that look red, swollen, or feel tender
Bleeding during brushing or flossing
Teeth that appear longer due to gum recession or expose root surfaces
Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
Looseness or a change in how teeth fit together when you bite
New gaps developing between teeth or changes in partial denture fit
Pus or discharge around the gums or sharp/dull pain when chewing
Gums are more than just a frame for teeth — they are living tissue with a rich blood supply that interacts with the rest of the body. Chronic inflammation in the mouth can increase systemic inflammatory markers, and research increasingly links periodontal inflammation with conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illnesses. Treating gum disease is therefore an important part of overall health maintenance.
Maintaining periodontal health also preserves bone and soft-tissue support for teeth. Loss of bone around tooth roots can compromise chewing function, lead to shifting teeth, and create aesthetic changes. Because these effects accumulate over time, regular checkups and targeted treatment can prevent small problems from becoming larger, more complex ones.
Our approach emphasizes prevention and education: tailored hygiene instruction, routine periodontal assessment at exams, and early intervention when needed. Patients who are proactive about gum health often avoid more invasive procedures later on and enjoy more predictable, long-term outcomes.
Gingivitis is the reversible, early stage of gum disease. Signs include redness, swelling, and bleeding — most often noticed when brushing or flossing. Because pain is uncommon at this stage, many people assume symptoms are minor, but catching gingivitis early makes reversal straightforward with professional cleaning and improved home care.
Treatment for gingivitis focuses on removing plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, then supporting patients with practical hygiene strategies. A consistent routine of brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and regular professional cleanings typically resolves the inflammation and restores healthy gum tissue.
Prevention is equally important: lifestyle choices like avoiding tobacco, managing blood sugar, and maintaining regular dental visits all reduce the risk of gingivitis returning. With timely attention, gingivitis rarely progresses to more destructive stages.
Periodontitis occurs when the inflammatory process extends beyond the gum tissue into the connective fibers and bone that hold teeth in place. As pockets deepen and supporting structures are lost, teeth can feel loose and oral function may decline. Today’s treatment goals center on halting disease activity, reducing pocket depths, and restoring as much healthy tissue and bone as possible.
Assessment includes measurement of pocket depths, evaluation of bone levels on dental imaging, and a careful review of contributing health and lifestyle factors. That comprehensive diagnosis allows a personalized treatment plan that matches the severity of disease and the patient’s overall health priorities.
Modern periodontal care combines time-tested techniques with newer technologies. Where appropriate, we use targeted antimicrobial approaches and, when needed, regenerative procedures that encourage tissue and bone repair. The objective is always to stabilize the disease and create a maintainable environment that supports long-term oral health.
Choosing the right treatment depends on disease stage, tissue damage, and individual health factors. Early disease is often managed conservatively, while advanced cases may require surgical or regenerative work. Regardless of the approach, the treatment plan includes follow-up maintenance to prevent recurrence and protect the results achieved.
Patient education is a central component of care: learning where plaque accumulates, how to use interdental cleaners effectively, and which habits to adjust. These preventive steps, combined with professional treatment, form the foundation of long-term success.
We partner with each patient to set realistic goals, explain the rationale for recommended care, and outline a maintenance schedule that supports lasting periodontal health. Open communication and collaborative planning help patients make informed decisions about their treatment.
Non-surgical therapy is the first line of defense for most patients. When detected early, careful removal of plaque and tartar under the gumline stops the bacterial irritants that drive inflammation. This is typically performed with scaling and root planing and may be paired with localized antimicrobial agents.
Scaling and root planing smooth root surfaces so gums can reattach more securely, reducing pocket depth and helping control infection. For many people, this level of care, combined with improved daily hygiene and regular maintenance visits, restores gum health without the need for surgery.
Adjunctive measures — such as targeted topical antiseptics or short courses of medication when indicated — can enhance results, especially in cases where specific bacteria are identified. The overall focus is on minimally invasive strategies that deliver measurable improvement.
When pockets are too deep for effective cleaning or when bone loss has occurred, surgical treatment may be recommended to directly access and treat affected areas. Procedures are designed to reduce pocket depths, remove diseased tissue, and reshape bone to support better oral hygiene and stability.
Regenerative techniques — including bone grafts and guided tissue regeneration — aim to rebuild lost support when conditions are favorable. These procedures can improve function and esthetics and may create a stronger foundation for future restorative work, such as crowns or implants if needed.
Contemporary periodontal surgery is more predictable than in the past, and when combined with diligent maintenance, it can significantly reduce the risk of future tooth loss. Our team evaluates surgical options carefully and discusses potential benefits, recovery expectations, and long-term maintenance needs with every patient.
In summary, periodontal disease ranges from reversible inflammation to progressive conditions that threaten the structures supporting teeth. Early recognition, thoughtful treatment, and consistent maintenance are the keys to preserving a healthy smile. If you’d like to learn more about periodontal care or discuss a personalized plan, please contact us for more information.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and the supporting structures that hold teeth in place. It begins when bacterial plaque builds up along the gumline and triggers an inflammatory response in the tissues and bone. Left unchecked, this process can lead to pocket formation, bone loss, and eventual tooth mobility.
In early stages, known as gingivitis, the condition is usually reversible with professional care and improved home hygiene. Once the infection progresses into the connective tissues and bone, it is known as periodontitis and may require more intensive therapy to control. Early detection and a personalized treatment plan are the best ways to preserve natural teeth and oral function.
Gum disease develops when oral bacteria in plaque and calculus damage gum tissue and the supporting bone. Risk increases with inadequate brushing and flossing, irregular professional cleanings, and habits such as tobacco use. Certain medications, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and systemic conditions like diabetes further raise the risk.
Because multiple factors interact, clinicians evaluate both local oral conditions and overall health when assessing risk. Controlling modifiable factors and adhering to recommended hygiene routines can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing destructive periodontal disease. Regular screening helps identify risks before irreversible changes occur.
Common early warning signs include gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, redness, swelling, and persistent bad breath. You may also notice increased tooth sensitivity, gums that appear to pull away from teeth, or new gaps forming between teeth. Pain is not always present in early stages, which is why many people miss the problem initially.
If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a periodontal evaluation so clinicians can measure pocket depths and review your oral health history. Early assessment allows us to recommend appropriate cleaning, home-care changes, or targeted therapies to reverse or halt disease. Prompt attention improves long-term outcomes and helps avoid more invasive procedures.
Diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical exam that includes probing pocket depths around each tooth and assessing gum tissue for bleeding, recession, and mobility. Dental radiographs help evaluate bone levels and reveal patterns of bone loss that are not visible at the surface. A complete medical and dental history also guides interpretation and identifies contributing health factors.
In some cases, we may use plaque sampling or other targeted tests to identify specific bacteria that are hard to control. Combining clinical findings, imaging, and health information produces a comprehensive picture that informs a personalized treatment plan. Clear communication about findings and options helps patients make informed choices about their care.
Non-surgical therapy is the first-line approach for many patients and centers on removing plaque and calculus from below the gumline. Scaling and root planing smooth root surfaces so gums can reattach and pocket depths can decrease. Local antimicrobial agents or medicated rinses may be used to reduce bacterial levels in targeted areas.
These measures are often paired with focused oral hygiene instruction to support long-term healing. Most patients respond well to conservative care when disease is detected early and home care is improved. Follow-up appointments monitor healing, measure pocket depth changes, and determine whether additional intervention is needed.
Surgical periodontal therapy is recommended when pockets are too deep for effective non-surgical cleaning or when bone loss compromises tooth stability. Procedures can include flap surgery to access root surfaces, recontouring bone to reduce pocket depth, or removing diseased tissue to promote healing. The goal of surgery is to create a cleaner, more maintainable environment and to reduce the risk of further destruction.
Regenerative techniques aim to rebuild lost bone and connective tissue when the situation is favorable and may involve bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, or growth factors to encourage repair. These procedures can improve both function and appearance and may create a better foundation for restorations if they are needed later. Recovery typically involves short-term discomfort, temporary dietary adjustments, and careful home care to protect healing tissues.
Deciding on surgery depends on disease severity, overall health, and the patient’s goals for oral function and aesthetics. When surgery is combined with diligent maintenance, long-term outcomes are often much improved compared with untreated disease. Shared decision-making ensures treatment aligns with the patient’s priorities and lifestyle.
Effective periodontal treatment stabilizes infection, preserves supporting bone, and helps maintain chewing function and tooth position. By arresting disease activity and reducing pockets, clinicians create conditions that allow teeth to remain functional and esthetic for many years. Maintaining healthy gums and bone also improves the predictability of future restorative work when it is necessary.
For patients who may later need crowns, bridges, or dental implants, controlling periodontal disease first is essential to long-term success. Restorative treatments placed into a stable, healthy environment have a much higher chance of lasting and performing well. Periodontal therapy and restorative planning are often coordinated to ensure each patient receives comprehensive care.
Chronic periodontal inflammation affects more than the mouth because inflamed tissues release substances that influence systemic inflammation. Numerous studies have linked periodontal disease with conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory problems, underscoring that oral health is part of whole-body health. Treating periodontal disease and controlling inflammation can therefore contribute to better overall health management.
Managing risk factors like smoking and uncontrolled blood sugar can improve both oral and general health outcomes. Dentists work with patients and other healthcare providers to coordinate care when systemic conditions influence periodontal disease. Regular periodontal care and timely treatment reduce chronic inflammation and support broader health goals.
Daily home care is the foundation of preventing and controlling gum disease and includes brushing twice daily and cleaning between teeth once a day with floss or interdental cleaners. Using the proper technique and tools makes a significant difference, so clinicians provide personalized instruction on effective brushing, flossing, and the use of adjunctive devices. Antiseptic rinses can be helpful in certain cases, but they do not replace mechanical plaque removal.
Consistency and regular follow-up are critical because plaque forms continuously and must be disrupted daily to prevent inflammation. Patients recovering from periodontal therapy should pay close attention to healing sites and follow any post-operative guidelines provided by the clinical team. Ongoing communication with the office helps ensure home care strategies are working and allows prompt adjustment if needed.
After active periodontal therapy, most patients transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule tailored to disease severity and individual risk factors. A common recommendation is a recall every three months, though some patients may need slightly more or less frequent visits depending on healing and risk. Maintenance visits include careful removal of any new calculus, measurement of pocket depths, and reinforcement of home-care methods.
Long-term success depends on the partnership between patient and clinician, with consistent maintenance and lifestyle management. The office of Lesley Holloway the Dentist emphasizes clear communication and individualized schedules to support lasting oral health. Patients who follow maintenance recommendations generally experience better stability and fewer invasive interventions over time.
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