Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults, yet it is often painless in its early stages. It begins as gingivitis, with red, swollen, or bleeding gums, and can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone that holds your teeth in place.
The good news is that gum disease is treatable, and the earlier we catch it the more conservative the care. Dr. Chaw evaluates your gum health at every exam and offers treatment tailored to the stage of the disease.
Signs you may have gum disease
If you notice any of the following, schedule an evaluation. Early treatment is simpler and more effective.
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that are pulling away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Loose teeth or a change in your bite
How we treat gum disease
For early gingivitis, an improved home routine and professional cleanings are often enough to restore health. For periodontitis, we may recommend a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing, which removes bacteria and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach.
We then place you on a personalized periodontal maintenance schedule to keep the disease under control. In advanced cases, we will coordinate care with a trusted periodontal specialist.