If you’re experiencing swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or tooth sensitivity, you may be showing early signs of periodontal (gum) disease.
Don’t put off seeing a professional dentist to diagnose gum disease and get started on a treatment plan as it’s critical for your long-term oral health.
At Smiles for Miles Dentistry, Dr. Salm offers advanced periodontal treatments to protect your teeth, restore gum health, and prevent long-term complications.
Would you like to make an appointment now?
What is Periodontal Disease?
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research define periodontal gum disease as a progressive infection of the gums caused by a buildup of plaque.
Dental plaque can build up in your teeth from sources like carbohydrates and minerals and enzymes from your saliva. If this sticky film is not removed daily, it can harden and develop into tartar.
Once that happens, you can’t brush or floss it away at home. Only a professional cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove dental tartar.
Once tartar accumulates on your gumline, it begins to irritate and infect the surrounding tissue. Periodontal disease progresses in two stages:
- Gingivitis – The earliest stage. It’s a common and mild form of gum disease. Bacteria are on the gum’s surface at this point. With proper cleaning, gingivitis can be reversed.
- Periodontitis – The advanced state where infection forms along the gumline. Consequences can include deeper infection, bone loss, and loose teeth.
Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease affects various areas of the mouth. Schedule an evaluation with the dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Painful Gums – Puffy, swollen, or tender gums are a big red flag. You shouldn’t have any tenderness or pain while eating or brushing.
- Bleeding Gums –This bleeding is mainly caused by a buildup of plaque at the gum line and can lead to gingivitis if left untreated. You should not see any bleeding when you brush or floss.
- Chronic Halitosis – Bad breath that lingers, even after brushing your tongue or teeth, is a sign of a build up of tartar and underlying gum disease.
- Receding Gums – You’ve probably heard the saying “getting long in the tooth.” That phrase comes from gum disease, where the gums pull away from the teeth and expose the roots. As a result, teeth appear longer than they really are.
- Exposed Roots – When gums recede, it can expose the roots of your teeth, thereby leading to easier tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and other oral health problems.
- Periodontal Pockets – As gums recede and pull away from the teeth, deep pockets can form.
- Change in Bite – As gum disease progresses, it can change in the way your teeth fit together. That weakening of support can cause teeth to loosen. If you have a severe level of periodontal disease, you may even experience tooth loss.
We’ve listed some of the more common symptoms, but you may experience different ones. What’s important is to schedule regular dental exams to prevent long-term damage.
Risk Factors of Periodontitis
Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing periodontal disease. The good news is that many of the following risk factors can be managed or reduced with help from your dentist and healthcare provider:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Bad brushing and flossing habits cause the bacteria that causes plaque to thrive and damage gum tissue and bone.
Good oral hygiene, as a daily routine, can help prevent periodontal disease and support healing if you have gingivitis or periodontitis.
Smoking and Chewing Tobacco Use
Smoking and chewing tobacco use impair the immune system, decrease saliva, and reduce oxygen supply to the tissue.
Together, these conditions create an environment where bacteria flourish, increasing your risk of developing gingivitis and periodontitis.
Crowded or Crooked Teeth
Misaligned teeth, or malocclusions, can trap plaque and make it hard to clean them properly. There are things you can do, however, depending on your case and preferences.
Dental braces, which realign the teeth and jaw, are one way to straighten crowded or crooked teeth.
Another way to straighten malocclusions is through clear aligners like Invisalign. They’re a discreet way to guide your teeth into alignment.
Poor Nutrition
Dental health and nutrition are closely linked, and vitamin deficiencies can make gums more vulnerable to disease. For instance, a lack of Vitamin C can lead to scurvy, a severe form of malnutrition that negatively impacts skin, bone, and teeth.
Vitamin K, on the other hand, can weaken the soft tissue in your mouth and slow healing. A balanced, nutritious diet is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and working with a dietitian alongside your dentist can help pave the way to better nutrition and overall better health.
Hormonal Changes
Women experiencing puberty, pregnancy, and menopause have elevated the risk of gum disease because of hormonal changes. These fluctuations can cause symptoms like bleeding, sensitivity, puffy gums, and dry mouth.
Diabetes
Be sure to let your dentist know about any health conditions that may affect your gums. Informing them about diabetes is especially important because it weakens the body’s immune system and causes slower healing.
Diabetics are also more prone to dry mouth, which increases bacterial growth and increases the chances of gum disease. Managing diabetes carefully by controlling your blood sugar and scheduling regular dental cleanings are key steps to protecting gum health.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis to Good Oral Health
The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat—and the better your long-term outcome. Good oral hygiene starts with routine visits to allow Dr. Salm to assess the health of your gums.
As part of his diagnosis, he’ll check your teeth and gums for signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. Expect him to also evaluate whether there is to check for early signs of gum recession, any pockets, and bleeding.
Smiles for Miles Family Dental works closely with trusted periodontal specialists in New Berlin and nearby communities to ensure you get the best care possible.
What Can Happen if Gum Disease is Left Untreated
Besides incurring extra costs the more you put off good oral care, there are several issues that can arise—some of them serious. They can include anything from heart disease and respiratory disease to stomach issues because you can’t chew and digest food properly because of tooth loss.
What’s more, bone loss resulting from periodontal disease can interfere with dental implants and other restorative services. In other words, you won’t have enough bone left for Dr. Salm to work with.
What You Can Do to Avoid Gum Disease
You don’t need advanced training to achieve a healthy mouth—just consistent brushing and regular dental visits. Do the following to keep your teeth and gums clean.
Make Brushing and Flossing Daily a Habit
Preventing plaque buildup and keeping your gums clean starts with good oral hygiene at home. Here’s how you can look after your teeth and gums at home:
- Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Ask your Dr. Salm’s hygienist to show you a good brushing method to remove plaque.
- Use a Soft-Bristle Brush. Brush your teeth AND gums with a soft-bristle toothbrush to get them really clean.
- Brush Twice a Day: The American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth twice a day and clean trapped food particles from between your teeth with interdental tools like dental flossor a pick.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Regular visits with your dentist are important for preventing gum disease and catching problems early. To do that, you’ll want to get professional cleanings every 6 to 12 months to remove tartar buildup that brushing and flossing can’t reach.
During these visits, you can also discuss symptoms like bleeding gums with your dental hygienist and Dr. Salm, who will review your personal risk factors. They’ll recommend the best steps for protecting your oral health.
How is Gum Disease Treated?
Dr. Salm customizes periodontal treatment based on the stage of gum disease:
Early Stage (Gingivitis)
Remember, gingivitis may be reversed with improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings.
Treatment Plans for Periodontitis
Moderate to Advanced Stages
We may recommend scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that:
- Removes plaque and bacteria below the gumline
- Smooths tooth root surfaces to prevent future buildup
- Reduces inflammation and allows gums to heal
In some cases, Dr. Salm may apply Arestin®. This treatment is a localized antibiotic placed directly into the gum pockets to fight infection and support healing.
Gum Graft for Tissue Loss
If you’ve lost gum tissue due to periodontal disease, Dr. Salm may recommend gum graft surgery. This treatment covers exposed roots, guards against further recession, and helps restore a healthier gumline.
Compassionate Dental Care for Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Many people delay treatment for gingivitis or periodontitis because of fear, sensitivity, or concerns about discomfort. At Smiles for Miles Dentistry, Dr. Salm and your dental hygienist focus on making every visit to us as comfortable as possible.
With gentle techniques, the latest technology, and compassionate care, our team helps you restore healthy gums and protect your smile without any stress.
Protect Your Smile—Starting at the Gums
Don’t ignore signs of gum disease like loose or sensitive teeth. Dr. Salm and the team at Smiles for Miles Family Dentistry are here to help you prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontal problems before they progress.
📞 Call us today if you want more gum disease information or would like to request an appointment online.
Your gums will thank you!