Periodontics

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and supporting tissues that begins as gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis, where bone and ligaments holding teeth are damaged. The main cause is plaque buildup from poor oral hygiene, which hardens into tartar and triggers gum infection and inflammation.

Common symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. Other warning signs are persistent bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, gum recession, and loose or shifting teeth. In more advanced cases, you may also feel pain when chewing.

Periodontal disease cannot be fully cured, but it can be effectively managed, especially when diagnosed early. While bone and tissue damage are usually irreversible, professional treatments combined with good oral hygiene at home can stop the disease from progressing, reduce symptoms, and help maintain long-term gum and tooth health.

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. In early stages, non-surgical options like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) can remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline. For more advanced cases, surgical treatments such as flap surgery, bone grafts, or tissue regeneration may be needed to restore support. Dentists may also prescribe antimicrobial rinses or antibiotics to control infection. Ongoing care with regular professional cleanings and strict home hygiene is essential to prevent recurrence.

If gum disease is not treated, it can progress from mild inflammation to severe infection, leading to tooth loss, receding gums, and bone damage. Beyond oral health, untreated gum disease has been linked to systemic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and arthritis. The longer it remains untreated, the greater the risk of permanent damage to the supporting structures of your teeth, which can result in pain, instability, and eventual tooth loss.