What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria. Dentists also call it periodontal disease. It belongs to the diseases and disorders of the oral cavity and jaws. The two named conditions are gingivitis, which affects only the gums, and periodontitis, which reaches the bone. Plaque that stays on the teeth hardens into tartar, and only a dental team can remove tartar. Healthy gums look firm and pink, while infected gums look red, puffy, tender and prone to bleeding.
What Are the Early Warning Signs of Gum Disease?
The early warning signs of gum disease are bleeding, swelling, redness, tenderness and bad breath that does not clear. Early gum disease often causes little pain, so many people miss it. Some signs you can spot at home, and others mean you should call the office promptly. Knowing the difference helps you act before the infection reaches the bone.
Signs You Can See or Feel at Home
These signs often appear first, and each one deserves a closer look at your next visit:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Gums that look red, puffy or swollen
- Gums that feel tender when you touch them
- Gum lines that pull away from the teeth
- Bad breath or a bad taste that does not clear
- Teeth that look longer than they used to
Signs That Call for a Prompt Visit
Loose or shifting teeth signal that the infection has damaged the bone beneath the gums. Pus between the teeth and gums, pain when chewing and swelling that persists also call for a prompt visit. A change in how your top and bottom teeth fit together is another warning. Bleeding can even stop as the disease advances, because inflammation moves down into the pockets. Call (626) 219-7180 if you notice any of these signs.
Are Bleeding Gums Always a Sign of Gum Disease?
Bleeding gums often point to gum disease, but not always. Brushing too hard, a new flossing habit, some medications and hormonal shifts can also make gums bleed. Research on bleeding on probing shows that gums which never bleed are a strong sign of stability. Steady bleeding is a signal to have your gums checked. The bleeding gums page covers this symptom in more depth.
What Are the Stages of Gum Disease, and What Does Each Stage Need?
Gum disease moves through four stages, and each stage calls for a different level of care. Gingivitis is the only reversible stage. The CDC states that gingivitis is reversible, but untreated it can lead to periodontitis. The American Academy of Periodontology adds that professional treatment and good home care reverse it. Once bone loss begins, treatment aims to control the infection and protect the teeth you have.
The table below compares the four stages. Pocket depth means the gap between the tooth and gum that a probe measures. A healthy pocket is shallow, and depths of 4 mm and deeper indicate disease. Pockets of 6 to 8 mm are advanced.
| Stage | What is happening | Typical pocket depth | Usual care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gingivitis | Red, swollen gums bleed easily; no bone loss | Shallow | Professional cleaning and better home care |
| Early periodontitis | Infection below the gumline; bone loss begins | 4 mm and deeper | Scaling and root planing |
| Moderate periodontitis | More bone loss; teeth may loosen | Deeper than the early stage | Deep cleaning plus antimicrobial therapy |
| Advanced periodontitis | Deep pockets; severe bone loss; high risk of tooth loss | 6 to 8 mm | Deep cleaning, then a plan for further care |
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. In this stage the gums become swollen, turn red and bleed easily. Bone stays intact at this stage. Dentists diagnose gingivitis when bleeding shows up during probing. A professional cleaning removes the plaque and tartar, and better brushing keeps them away. Most people see their gums return to health with steady care.
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
Early periodontitis means the infection has moved below the gum line and bone loss has begun. Shallow pockets form between the teeth and gums, and bacteria settle inside them. Brushing cannot reach that far. Deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, is the most effective primary care at this stage.
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
Moderate periodontitis brings deeper pockets, more bone loss and sometimes teeth that move slightly. Deep cleaning remains the foundation of care. The dentist may add antimicrobial therapy to reduce the bacteria in the deepest pockets. Some patients need more than one visit to finish the work.
Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis means deep pockets, heavy bone loss and a high risk of losing teeth. The damage can reach the jawbone in both the mandible and the upper jaw. Teeth often feel loose, and the bite may change. Deep cleaning still comes first, because it lowers the bacteria that drive the damage. If a case needs surgical care, the dentist explains that at your exam and talks through the next steps.
What Happens If Gum Disease Goes Untreated?
Gum disease left untreated keeps destroying the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place. Teeth loosen, shift and eventually fall out or need removal. Dental implants, bridges or dentures can replace a lost tooth, but healthy gums must come first. The condition rarely reverses on its own. Early care costs your body far less than late rescue.
How Common Is Gum Disease in the United States?
Gum disease is a common condition among American adults. According to the CDC, 42.2 percent of US adults aged 30 and older have periodontitis.[1] The severe form affects 7.8 percent of them. The risk climbs with age, so older adults face the highest odds. Many people with gum disease do not know they have it, because early stages rarely hurt. Common does not mean harmless, and it does not mean untreatable. A routine exam catches the disease while treatment is simplest.
What Causes Gum Disease, and Who Is at Higher Risk?
Plaque and tartar cause gum disease, and several risk factors make it worse. Plaque buildup lets bacteria inflame the gums, and hardened tartar keeps that irritation going. Smoking, diabetes, some medications, family history and crowded teeth raise the risk. Anyone can develop gum disease, but these factors help explain why it strikes some people harder.
Plaque, Tartar and Daily Habits
Poor oral hygiene lets plaque stay on the teeth. Plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar, which dentists also call calculus. Only a dental professional can remove tartar, and it gives new plaque a rough surface to cling to. The American Dental Association advises brushing for two minutes twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Replace the brush every three to four months. Tooth brushing removes plaque from the surfaces you can reach. Cleaning between the teeth matters too, and interdental brushes may reduce gingivitis more than dental floss does.
Smoking, Diabetes, Medications and Genetics
Smoking cuts blood flow to the gums, so they heal poorly and fight infection less well. Diabetes weakens the immune system's response to bacteria. According to the NIDCR, periodontitis is three times more common in people with diabetes.[2] Several other factors also raise risk:
- Medications that cause dry mouth, because saliva helps wash plaque away
- Hormonal change during pregnancy and menopause, which makes gums more sensitive
- A family history of aggressive gum disease
- Stress and a weakened immune system
Bite, Crowding and Older Dental Work
Crowded or misaligned teeth can make cleaning harder. Ill-fitting crowns or fillings can also trap plaque along the gumline. These problems do not cause gum disease by themselves, but they give bacteria more places to hide. The dentist checks how your teeth fit together during the exam. The office also offers clear aligners, and your dentist can tell you when straightening fits your plan.
Can Gum Disease Affect the Rest of Your Body?
Gum disease can affect the rest of your body, and the link with diabetes is the best supported. Diabetes and gum disease influence each other. High blood sugar feeds infection, and infection makes blood sugar harder to control. Treating your gums may help you manage diabetes. Gum disease touches clinical medicine as well as dentistry. Your dentist and your physician can work on both at once.
Health sciences research studies how gum bacteria and inflammation affect the circulatory system. The links to other conditions are associations, not proven causes. The American Academy of Periodontology reports associations with heart disease, stroke, pneumonia and some cancers. The same group states that no causal relationship has been conclusively established. Treating gum disease is not a proven way to prevent a heart attack. Healthy gums simply support your overall health and your oral health. Good health care treats the mouth and the body together.
What Happens at Your Periodontal Exam in Pasadena?
Your periodontal exam in Pasadena is a full periodontal evaluation. It checks your gums, your bone and your health history in one visit. The dentist measures pockets, looks for bleeding and recession, and reviews digital X-rays. The team then assigns a stage and explains your options. You leave knowing where your gums stand. Book your exam online to start.
Pocket Measurements and Gum Checks
The dentist slides a thin probe around each tooth to measure pocket depth. The team also notes bleeding, recession, tooth mobility and tartar buildup. Readings are charted, so the office can compare them at later visits and track your progress. Pockets of 4 mm or more suggest infection.
X-Rays and 3D Imaging
Digital X-rays show the bone level around each tooth, which a probe cannot show. They also reveal root infections that belong to endodontics. The office also has 3D CBCT imaging, which gives a three-dimensional view of the jaw. The dentist uses it when treatment planning calls for extra detail. Imaging helps confirm how much bone you have lost.
Health History and Risk Review
Your health history changes your gum plan. The team asks about diabetes, smoking, medications and pregnancy, because each one affects how gums heal. Family history matters too. A clear picture of your risk helps the dentist choose the right care and the right follow-up schedule.
Your Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
After the exam, the dentist tells you the stage of your disease and explains each option in plain language. You see the readings and the X-rays. Our team helps you use your insurance benefits. You decide the next step with full information.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
Gum disease treatments range from cleaning to surgery. All of them remove the bacteria and tartar that drive the infection. Periodontal treatment depends on the stage. Gingivitis needs a professional cleaning, and periodontitis usually needs deep cleaning. Antimicrobial support and surgery come into play only when a case calls for them. As stated by the American Dental Association, scaling and root planing alone is the first choice for chronic periodontitis.[3]
The table below compares the main options and when each one fits.
| Treatment | Best suited for | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Professional cleaning | Gingivitis | Removes plaque and tartar above the gumline |
| Scaling and root planing | Early to moderate periodontitis | Cleans below the gumline and smooths root surfaces |
| Antimicrobial support | Deeper pockets that persist | Adds medication to lower the bacteria further |
| Surgical care | Advanced disease | Reaches roots and bone that cleaning cannot |
Professional Cleaning for Gingivitis
A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar from every tooth surface. The hygienist also coaches you on home care, so the gums can heal between visits. Gingivitis often improves quickly with consistent care. Regular cleanings keep it from returning.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Scaling and root planing, often called deep cleaning, removes tartar from the roots and smooths the root surfaces. Smooth roots let gum tissue reattach to the teeth. The dentist numbs the area first, so the work is comfortable. This is the core treatment for periodontitis, and it usually happens one section of the mouth at a time.
Antimicrobial and Antibiotic Support
Antimicrobial therapy adds medication to deep cleaning when pockets stay deep. A dentist may place a local antibiotic directly in a pocket. In other cases the dentist prescribes oral antibiotics when indicated. Medication supports the cleaning and never replaces it. Its added benefit is modest, so the dentist uses it selectively.
Advanced Disease: Surgery and Bone Grafting
Some advanced cases need periodontal surgery, such as pocket reduction, flap surgery or bone grafting. These surgical procedures reach roots and bone that cleaning cannot. Whether your case needs them depends on your exam and X-rays. The dentist explains what your stage requires, what the options involve and who would perform the procedure.
What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing happens in four steps: numb, scale, plane and re-measure. The dentist or hygienist cleans below the gumline, removes tartar from the roots and smooths the root surfaces. A follow-up visit then checks your healing. Knowing the steps takes the mystery out of deep cleaning.
The steps follow this order:
- Numb the area with local anesthesia.
- Scale tartar from the root surfaces below the gumline.
- Plane the roots until they are smooth.
- Re-measure the pockets and set your maintenance schedule.
Step 1: Numbing and Comfort
Comfort comes first. Local anesthesia numbs the area, so you feel pressure but not pain. The office also offers IV moderate sedation, and anxious patients can ask whether it suits their visit. Tell the team if you feel nervous before your visit begins.
Step 2: Scaling Below the Gumline
Scaling removes hardened tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces under the gums. Hand instruments, ultrasonic scalers or both can do this work, and the clinician chooses what fits your mouth. The team works through one section at a time. Thorough scaling removes the deposits that brushing cannot reach.
Step 3: Planing the Root Surfaces
Planing smooths the root surfaces after the tartar is gone. A smooth root discourages new plaque and gives gum tissue a clean surface to reattach to. Reattached tissue shrinks the pocket. This step turns a clean root into a healing one.
Step 4: Follow-Up and Re-Measuring
The follow-up visit rechecks your pockets and your healing. The dentist compares the new readings with the ones from your exam. Then the team sets your maintenance schedule based on how your gums respond. This step shows whether the treatment worked and what comes next.
Gum Recession and Gum Grafting
Gum recession, also called gingival recession, means the gum line pulls back and exposes the tooth root. Recession makes teeth look longer, increases sensitivity and raises the risk of root decay. Gum disease is one cause, but not the only one. Grafting can cover exposed roots in some cases, while treating the infection stops further loss. A dentist has to examine your gums to tell which path fits.
What Causes Gums to Recede?
Several habits and conditions cause gums to recede:
- Brushing too hard with a stiff brush
- Gum disease that destroys bone and gum tissue
- Naturally thin gum tissue
- Tooth movement from orthodontic treatment
- Tobacco use
Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
Receding gums do not grow back on their own. Gum tissue that has pulled away stays where it is. Treating gum disease can stop further loss, and grafting can cover exposed roots. Softer brushing and regular checkups protect the tissue you still have. Early attention gives you more options.
Gum Grafting and When It Is Too Late
Gum grafting moves healthy tissue to cover an exposed root. Grafts come in several types, and the dentist chooses one based on how much tissue you have lost. A case can be too advanced when the bone around the tooth is largely gone. Then the tooth may not be worth saving. The dentist reviews your X-rays and tells you which category you fall in.
Tools That Support Gum Care: Imaging, Ultrasonic Scalers and Lasers
The office pairs digital X-rays with 3D CBCT imaging to see bone loss that the eye cannot. Together they let the dentist plan care around what lies under the gums. Scalers, including ultrasonic scalers, remove tartar from the roots. The tools support your dentist's judgment and never replace it.
The office also offers laser dentistry, and hygienist Bianca is certified in laser dentistry. The dentist decides whether a laser suits your case. Research on lasers as add-ons to deep cleaning is mixed. A laser does not replace scaling and root planing. Treat any device as a helper, not a cure.
Recovery and Long-Term Maintenance After Gum Treatment
Recovery after gum treatment starts with a few days of soreness, and maintenance lasts for life. Your gums may feel tender, and you may see light bleeding. Steady home care and regular maintenance visits protect your gum health and keep the infection from returning. Periodontitis is controlled, not cured, so the follow-up is part of the treatment.
The table below shows what to expect over time.
| Timeframe | What to expect | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| First few days | Tenderness and mild bleeding | Eat soft, cool foods and rinse gently |
| First one to two weeks | Soreness eases and swelling settles | Brush softly and follow your rinse instructions |
| Following weeks to months | Gum tissue reattaches and stabilizes | Keep your follow-up visit |
| Ongoing | Bacteria try to rebuild | Attend maintenance visits and clean daily |
The First Week After Deep Cleaning
Expect tenderness and mild bleeding for a few days. Eat soft, cool foods, and avoid crunchy or spicy ones. A warm salt-water rinse soothes the gums. Use any prescribed rinse exactly as directed. Skip tobacco and straws while the tissue heals. The team will give you instructions specific to your visit.
Why Periodontal Maintenance Matters
Periodontal maintenance is a recurring visit that keeps bacteria from rebuilding under the gumline. Patients typically return every three to four months at first, and your dentist sets the exact interval. Between visits, brush twice a day and clean between the teeth. Interdental brushes are a good option. Skipping maintenance lets the pockets refill.
When to Call Us Right Away
Call the office promptly if you notice any of these problems after treatment:
- Bleeding that does not improve
- Pain or swelling that increases
- A pimple or bump on the gum
- Teeth that feel looser than before
Side Effects and Limits of Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease treatment has side effects and limits, and you deserve to hear both. Common side effects include sensitivity, temporary tenderness and gums that look like they shrink. The shrinkage happens as swelling goes down. Treatment controls periodontitis, and it does not cure it. Published reviews show that deep cleaning improves gum attachment only modestly. Part of the pocket improvement comes from recession, because the gum line settles lower as swelling resolves. That honest picture explains why maintenance matters so much.
What Affects the Cost of Gum Disease Treatment?
The cost of gum disease treatment depends on your stage, the areas treated and the care you need. Your insurance plan also plays a part. The dentist confirms your treatment plan after the exam. Many dental plans cover part of deep cleaning, and you can ask what your own plan pays.
The table below shows what moves the total up or down.
| Cost factor | How it changes the plan |
|---|---|
| Stage at diagnosis | Gingivitis needs less care than advanced periodontitis |
| Areas treated | More sections of the mouth mean more work |
| Type of care | Cleaning costs less than surgical care |
| Add-on medication | Antimicrobial therapy adds to the plan |
| Insurance benefits | Your plan may cover part of deep cleaning |
The office accepts most major PPO insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna and Aetna. Financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, LendingClub and Sunbit. Ask the front desk how your plan applies to your care.
Who Will Care for Your Gums at Our Pasadena Office?
Your gum care at Pasadena Dental Office and Orthodontics comes from a dentist and a hygienist. The office provides periodontal exams, deep cleaning and follow-up care in one location. It also offers same-day and emergency appointments, along with restorative, cosmetic and emergency dental services under one roof.
The practice itself provides several conveniences:
Dr. Solomon Heifets, DDS, is the primary dentist. He earned his DDS at Moldova University School of Dental Medicine. He belongs to the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. The dentist and hygienist provide exams, deep cleaning and follow-up. Hygienist Bianca holds a bachelor's degree in biology and is certified in laser dentistry. She speaks English and Spanish and focuses on patient education.
Gum Disease Care Near Pasadena
Pasadena Dental Office and Orthodontics offers gum disease care in Pasadena, California. Our office sits at 181 N Hill Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106. Our office is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM. Our patients come from Pasadena and neighboring communities in the San Gabriel Valley. Free parking is available, and the entrance is wheelchair accessible. Request an appointment online or call (626) 219-7180 to reserve a gum exam.
Gum Disease Treatment FAQs
Ten common questions about gum disease treatment are answered below.
Can gum disease be reversed or cured?
Gingivitis can be reversed with a professional cleaning and better home care. Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but treatment can control and stabilize it. Lost bone does not grow back on its own. Early care gives you the best chance of keeping your natural teeth.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Local anesthesia numbs the area, so deep cleaning feels like pressure, not pain. The office also offers IV moderate sedation for anxious patients. Expect some tenderness for a few days afterward. Tell the team if anything hurts, and they will adjust.
How many visits does gum disease treatment take?
The number of visits depends on your stage and how many areas need deep cleaning. Mild cases need fewer visits than advanced ones. Your dentist explains the plan after your exam. A follow-up visit then rechecks your pockets and healing.
Does dental insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Many dental plans cover part of deep cleaning and periodontal maintenance. Coverage varies by plan, so the amount differs from patient to patient. The office accepts most major PPO plans and helps you use your benefits. Ask the team to review your plan before treatment.
How often will I need maintenance visits after treatment?
Patients typically return every three to four months after deep cleaning. Your dentist sets the exact schedule based on how your gums respond. Some patients move to longer intervals once their gums stay stable. Regular maintenance is what keeps the disease under control.
Can gum disease come back after treatment?
Yes, gum disease can return if maintenance visits and home care lapse. Plaque rebuilds quickly, and risk factors such as smoking and diabetes raise the chance. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth and keep your appointments. Steady habits keep the infection quiet.
Will gum disease make my teeth fall out?
Untreated gum disease destroys the bone that holds teeth in place, so teeth can loosen and fall out. Early treatment preserves them. Healthy gums also support a dental implant if you ever need one. A prompt exam is your best protection.
Do I need a periodontist, or can my dentist treat gum disease?
A periodontist is a dentist with extra training in periodontics, a dental specialty. That branch of dentistry focuses on gums and bone. Your dentist here provides exams, deep cleaning and follow-up care. If your case needs surgical care, the dentist explains your options at your exam.
Can I treat gum disease at home?
Home care controls plaque and can reverse gingivitis. Tartar and deep pockets need professional care, because brushing cannot reach them. You cannot cure periodontitis without a dentist. Brush, clean between your teeth and schedule an exam.
When is it too late to fix gum recession?
Recession is harder to fix once the bone around the tooth is largely gone. Grafting works best while enough bone and tissue remain. An exam and X-rays show where you stand. Learn more in the recession section above.
Bacteria keep working while you wait, so an early exam matters. Pasadena Dental Office and Orthodontics measures your pockets, reviews your X-rays and explains each stage in plain language. Early gum disease can be reversed, and advanced disease can be controlled. Our team explains every step, so you always know what comes next. You can book an appointment online or call (626) 219-7180. Reserve your gum exam at 181 N Hill Avenue today. A healthier smile and better gum health begin with that first visit.
Insurance coverage varies by plan and can change, so confirm your own benefits for gum disease treatment directly with your insurance provider.