Gum disease is more common — and more serious — than most people realize
An estimated half of American adults have some form of periodontal disease, yet many are unaware of it because the early stages are largely painless. By the time symptoms like swollen gums, bleeding during brushing, or persistent bad breath become noticeable, the condition has often already begun affecting the bone and tissue that anchor teeth in place.
The good news is that gum disease, when caught and treated appropriately, can be stopped and effectively managed. At Advanced Dentistry of Mooresville, Dr. Lindsey screens every patient for signs of periodontal disease at each visit and treats gum health as an essential part of the broader picture — not an afterthought.
Understanding gum disease
Gum disease begins as gingivitis — inflammation caused by bacterial plaque accumulating along and just below the gum line. Gingivitis is reversible with a therapeutic professional cleaning and improved home care. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where bacteria migrate deeper below the gum line and begin destroying the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in the jawbone. Advanced periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Research has also established meaningful connections between periodontal disease and systemic health conditions including cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Managing gum disease is a legitimate part of overall health management — the mouth and the rest of the body are not separate systems.
Signs that warrant an evaluation
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath that doesn't resolve with brushing
- Gums that appear red, swollen, or feel tender
- Gum recession — teeth appearing longer than they used to
- Loose teeth or a change in how teeth fit together
- Pus between the teeth and gums
Periodontal treatments we provide
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing (a "deep cleaning") is the gold-standard non-surgical treatment for active periodontal disease. Using specialized instruments — and, in some cases, ultrasonic technology — we remove bacterial deposits and tartar from below the gum line and carefully smooth the root surfaces to make it harder for bacteria to reattach. The procedure is done with local anesthesia, and patients are consistently surprised by how much more comfortable it is than they anticipated. There is little to no down-time after your scaling and root planing procedure. Depending on the extent of disease, treatment may be completed in one or two appointments.
Periodontal Maintenance
Once periodontal disease has been treated, it requires ongoing management. Rather than returning to a standard six-month schedule, periodontal maintenance appointments are typically recommended every three to four months. These visits are more thorough than a routine cleaning and are designed to keep the disease from returning — which it will if the conditions that allowed it to develop aren't consistently managed.
Localized Antibiotic Therapy
In certain situations, antibiotic medication can be placed directly into periodontal pockets following scaling to help eliminate persistent bacteria in areas that are difficult to reach with instruments alone.
Been told you have gum disease before? If you've had periodontal treatment at another practice and have fallen off the maintenance schedule, or if you simply haven't been in for a while, we'll assess where things stand now and recommend the appropriate next step — without judgment.
Prevention at home
Professional care is only part of the equation. Daily brushing and flossing, using the right technique, and avoiding tobacco are the home-side factors that make the biggest difference. We'll give you specific guidance based on what we observe at your visit so you have practical recommendations for your particular situation.