Understanding Periodontal Disease
and How We Treat It
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth. It usually starts with gingivitis, which makes gums red, swollen, and likely to bleed when brushing or flossing. If gingivitis is not treated, it can turn into periodontitis. At this stage, the infection spreads deeper, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and the bone around the teeth to break down. Over time, this can lead to loose teeth or even tooth loss.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Swollen, tender, or red gums
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Teeth that feel loose or shift when you bite
What Is a Deep Cleaning?
When gum disease has started, a regular cleaning is not enough. That’s when your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing.
- Scaling removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from above and below the gumline.
- Root planing smooths the roots of your teeth so the gums can heal and reattach more firmly.
This procedure is usually done with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Depending on how much cleaning is needed, it may take one or two visits. Afterward, your gums may feel a little sore or sensitive for a few days, but most people return to normal routines right away.
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
Once gum disease has been diagnosed and treated, it doesn’t just “go away.” It can be controlled, but it requires ongoing care. That’s where periodontal maintenance comes in.
Periodontal maintenance is a special type of cleaning scheduled every 3–4 months. These visits are more frequent than regular dental cleanings because harmful bacteria can grow back under the gums within about 90 days. During these visits, your dental team will:
- Check the health of your gums and measure pocket depths
- Remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline
- Monitor bone levels and gum attachment
- Give you tips for home care to keep your gums healthy
What to Expect After Diagnosis
If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, here’s what you can expect:
- Initial treatment – usually a deep cleaning to remove infection and allow healing.
- Follow‑up visits – periodontal maintenance every few months to keep the disease under control.
- Home care – brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and sometimes using special rinses or tools recommended by your dentist.
- Ongoing monitoring – your dentist will track your gum health and adjust your care plan as needed.
Why Treatment Matters
Leaving periodontal disease untreated can cause serious problems:
- Tooth loss from bone destruction
- Painful chewing and difficulty eating
- Ongoing bad breath
- Increased risk of other health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes complications
Taking care of gum disease early helps protect not only your smile but also your overall health. With proper treatment and maintenance, most people can keep their teeth for life.
At Atlantic Coast Dentistry, we are committed to helping you manage gum disease with clear guidance, comfortable treatment, and ongoing support. If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, schedule an appointment today. Early care makes all the difference.