Something Feels Off—But It’s Not a Cavity
Your teeth don’t hurt, but your gums bleed when you brush. Your breath doesn’t stay fresh for long, and flossing feels uncomfortable, even though you’ve been doing it right. You might blame your toothbrush or figure it’s nothing serious. But what if your gums are trying to tell you something?
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, isn’t always obvious in its early stages. It develops quietly, often without pain, until real damage is underway. Many people don’t realize they have it until it's advanced, which is why paying attention to subtle signs can make all the difference. At Walnut Creek Aesthetic Dentistry, we take gum health seriously—not just because it supports your smile, but because it’s linked to your overall wellness.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a chronic infection that affects the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. It starts with plaque buildup, a sticky film made of bacteria, which irritates the gum tissue. Left untreated, this inflammation can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where more bacteria thrive. Over time, this can result in tooth loss, and that’s not an exaggeration.
There are two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the earliest form, marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed. It’s reversible with proper dental care. Periodontitis, however, is more serious. At this stage, the bone and connective tissue are affected, and without intervention, the damage can be permanent.
Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Gum disease doesn’t usually start with pain, so it’s easy to dismiss the early warning signs. However, changes in your mouth—no matter how minor—should never be ignored. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is not normal. It’s often the first red flag.
Other signs include gums that look puffy, feel tender, or appear to be pulling away from your teeth. If your teeth feel loose or your bite seems different, these are clues that the deeper structures may already be compromised. Persistent bad breath, even after brushing, can also indicate bacterial activity below the gum line.
What Causes Gum Disease?
It all begins with plaque. When not removed through brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which can’t be removed at home. This hardened layer acts like a trap for bacteria, which inflames the surrounding tissue.
But there’s more. Smoking, certain medications, dry mouth, genetics, hormonal changes, and chronic conditions like diabetes can all increase your risk. Even stress plays a role by weakening your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infection.
How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosis isn’t based on guesswork. During a periodontal evaluation, we look at your gum tissue, measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth, and assess for signs of inflammation or bone loss using digital X-rays.
Healthy gum pockets are shallow, typically 1 to 3 millimeters. Deeper pockets may indicate gum attachment loss or active infection. These measurements, along with other findings, help determine the stage of gum disease and guide the next steps in treatment.
Can It Be Treated?
Absolutely. Early gum disease is manageable—and often reversible—with professional cleanings and good home care. We may recommend scaling and root planing, a deep-cleaning process that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the roots to help gums reattach.
For more advanced cases, additional treatments may include local antibiotics, laser therapy, or even surgery in severe situations. Maintenance is key. Regular visits allow us to monitor progress, stop progression, and keep your gums in stable condition.
How to Protect Your Gums Daily?
Good oral hygiene is your first line of defense. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using an antibacterial mouth rinse can significantly reduce plaque buildup. Don’t skip dental visits—routine cleanings help remove tartar that brushing can’t reach and let us catch issues early.
It’s also important to keep an eye on your health. If you’re dealing with medical conditions, changes in medication, or hormonal shifts, let your dentist know. Your gum health is part of your overall health, and your care should reflect the full picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, gum disease does not resolve without treatment. Gingivitis can be reversed with professional cleanings and good hygiene, but periodontitis needs more intensive care.
