Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and it often advances quietly before most people notice symptoms. Nearly half of adults over 30 show signs of periodontal disease, making prevention and timely care essential. At the office of Fay Hu General Dentistry, we focus on clear explanations and personalized plans so patients understand what’s happening in their mouths and how to protect long-term oral and overall health.
The structures that surround and support each tooth — collectively called the periodontium — include the gums, periodontal ligament, and the jawbone. These tissues work together to stabilize teeth and absorb forces from chewing. When bacterial plaque builds up along the gumline, it triggers inflammation that can damage these supporting tissues if left unchecked.
Periodontal disease begins as a local inflammatory response to microbial colonies and their byproducts. Over time, persistent inflammation can lead to pockets forming between the gum and tooth, progressive gum recession, and the loss of bone that anchors teeth. Because early stages are often painless, routine professional assessment and good home care are critical to catching problems early.
Knowing the typical signs of gum disease helps you act early. Pay attention to changes in gum color and texture, bleeding during hygiene routines, new spaces between teeth, or sensations of looseness. These cues are not normal and should prompt a clinical evaluation.
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bleeding during brushing or flossing
Noticeable gum recession or exposed root surfaces
Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste
Teeth that feel mobile or changes in bite and spacing
Discharge, swelling, or discomfort around the gums
Research increasingly shows links between periodontal inflammation and systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes control, and respiratory health. Chronic oral inflammation contributes to the body’s overall inflammatory burden, which can complicate certain medical conditions or make them harder to manage.
That connection makes periodontal care a key component of comprehensive health management. Controlling gum disease can reduce local infection and inflammation, support better oral function, and may positively influence overall health markers in patients with chronic illnesses.
Prevention, early detection, and consistent maintenance are the cornerstones of keeping periodontal disease from affecting more than your smile. Regular exams and cleanings allow clinicians to intervene early and reduce the chance of advanced tissue loss.
Gingivitis is the earliest and most reversible form of gum disease. It is characterized by gum inflammation without permanent loss of the bone or connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Typical signs include redness, swelling, and bleeding with light stimulation such as brushing or flossing.
Because gingivitis does not usually cause pain, many people do not realize they have it. The good news is that, when addressed promptly, gingivitis responds well to conservative measures: improved daily oral hygiene, professional cleanings, and consistent follow-up to ensure inflammation has resolved.
A focused home-care routine — including proper brushing, interdental cleaning, and periodic professional care — will often return the gums to a healthy state. Clinicians may also recommend short-term antimicrobial therapies to enhance treatment where appropriate.
Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a stage where the supporting bone and connective tissues are damaged. Periodontitis is marked by deeper pockets around teeth, gum recession, and measurable bone loss on radiographs. As support diminishes, teeth may loosen and chewing comfort can decline.
Management at this stage focuses on halting disease progression and preserving remaining support. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual and may include non-surgical interventions, specialized maintenance, and, when indicated, surgical procedures to access, clean, and restore affected areas.
Timely treatment can stabilize disease, limit further bone loss, and in many cases improve oral function and appearance. Ongoing maintenance is essential because periodontitis requires continuous attention to prevent recurrence.
Every periodontal treatment plan begins with a thorough evaluation: clinical measurements, review of medical history, and radiographs when needed. That assessment informs a clear, stepwise strategy focused on eliminating infection, controlling inflammation, and restoring the architecture of the gum and bone when possible.
We emphasize conservative methods first, combined with education so patients can maintain gains at home. When deeper problems exist, regenerative techniques and soft-tissue procedures are used to rebuild lost volume, improve stability, and create a healthier foundation for long-term oral function.
Modern tools — from refined instrumentation to adjunctive therapies and, where appropriate, laser-assisted procedures — complement sound clinical judgment. The objective is to choose treatments that stop disease activity, improve comfort, and preserve natural teeth whenever feasible.
Treatment for periodontal disease falls into broad categories that range from targeted, non-surgical therapy to surgical reconstruction. The choice depends on disease severity, anatomic considerations, systemic health factors, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits. Your dental team will explain the rationale for each step and the expected outcomes.
When disease is detected before extensive tissue loss, non-surgical approaches are often effective. Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) removes plaque and hardened deposits from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to discourage bacterial reattachment.
Adjunctive therapies — such as localized antimicrobials placed beneath the gums or short courses of systemic medication when appropriate — can enhance the response to mechanical cleaning. Education and reinforcement of daily hygiene are critical to maintain improvement.
Following initial therapy, a tailored maintenance schedule helps monitor pocket depths and prevent recurrence. Successful non-surgical treatment reduces pocketing and inflammation and preserves the natural tooth-supporting structures.
When pockets are deep or bone loss is significant, surgical intervention can provide access for more thorough debridement and allow clinicians to reshape damaged areas. Flap procedures expose root surfaces and bone so that infected tissue can be removed and the area properly cleaned.
Regenerative techniques — including bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and connective tissue grafts — aim to restore lost support and improve both function and appearance. These procedures can enhance the long-term prognosis of teeth that might otherwise become unsalvageable.
Advanced options such as laser-assisted therapy may be incorporated into care plans when clinically appropriate. Regardless of technique, the goals are to eliminate infection, reduce pocket depth, preserve or rebuild supporting tissues, and make home care more effective.
Remove infection and harmful bacterial deposits from below the gumline
Stabilize or restore bone contours and soft-tissue support where feasible
Reduce pocket depths to enable effective daily cleaning and long-term maintenance
Maintaining periodontal health is a partnership between the patient and the dental team. If you have concerns about bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, tooth mobility, or other signs described here, contact Fay Hu General Dentistry to schedule an evaluation. We will review your situation, outline appropriate next steps, and answer your questions so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Most people don’t realize that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two adults over the age of 30 in the United States has periodontal disease.
You may be surprised to learn that the human mouth is home to a wide variety of microbes. The fact is that over 700 different strains of bacteria have been detected in the oral cavity. Although some of these bacteria are beneficial, others are harmful to oral health. Without proper oral hygiene and routine dental care, these harmful bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease, compromising both your oral health and overall wellbeing.
In addition to inadequate oral hygiene and infrequent professional care, other factors, including smoking, genetic tendencies, and unchecked diabetes, can contribute to the escalation of periodontal disease.
Your gums and teeth have an interdependent relationship, which means healthy teeth depend on the support of healthy gums. Also, taking care of your smile does more than keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition; good oral health also supports systemic health. In addition to being the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, researchers are finding more and more links between periodontal disease and a number of medical problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre-term and low birth-weight babies.
If you notice that your gums are bleeding with the slightest pressure while brushing or flossing, it’s a sign of gingivitis. Although gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, it can easily be reversed with deeper cleanings as well as an improved regimen of oral hygiene at home.
In the absence of professional treatment and better home care, gingivitis progresses to the next stage, which is known as periodontitis. In this stage, the connective tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place begin to break down with an increase in pocketing between the teeth and bone, gum recession, and bone loss. Without proper treatment by your dentist, periodontitis will progress from a mild to moderate loss of supporting tissue to the destruction of the bone around the teeth.
Although gingivitis can often be reversed with improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings, as periodontal disease advances, more extensive procedures are required to halt its progression. Based on a complete assessment of your periodontal health and a review of possible contributing factors, our office will recommend the best options in care. Treatment for periodontitis may include a series of deeper cleanings known as root planing and scaling, surgical procedures to reduce pocket depth, bone or tissue grafts, laser procedures, or antimicrobial medications.
The cost of care depends on the type of procedures required to restore your periodontal health. If you have dental insurance, plans often cover treatment to prevent gum disease as well as many procedures to treat the various stages of gum disease. Our goal is to help patients restore and maintain good oral health. We do all we can to help you begin care without additional stress or delay. Our business office works with you to maximize your benefits and provide easier, more convenient payment options.
By seeing our office regularly for care and doing your best to eat a healthy diet and practice good oral hygiene, you can keep your smile in tip-top shape as well as protect your overall wellbeing.
At the office of Fay Hu General Dentistry, we provide a comprehensive range of services to address all your oral healthcare needs. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands at our office. Our skilled and experienced team maintains a position at the forefront of advances in care and remains dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate treatment.
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the periodontium, the soft and hard tissues that support the teeth. It begins when bacterial plaque accumulates along the gumline and under the gums, triggering a chronic immune response. Left unchecked, this inflammation can destroy gum tissue and the underlying bone that anchors teeth.
Gum disease commonly presents in two stages: reversible gingivitis and more destructive periodontitis, which involves tissue and bone loss. Early gingivitis causes redness and bleeding but not permanent damage, while periodontitis leads to pocket formation and potential tooth loss. Because progression is often painless, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to preserve oral health and function.
Common signs of gum disease include gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, and gums that appear red, swollen, or tender. Gum recession that exposes tooth roots, increased tooth sensitivity, and teeth that feel loose are also warning signs. You may also notice new gaps between teeth or changes in how a denture or bite fits.
Gum disease can progress without significant discomfort, so patients should not wait for pain to seek evaluation. Regular dental checkups and periodontal probing can detect problems before they worsen. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an exam so a clinician can assess your periodontal status and recommend appropriate care.
The primary cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of bacterial plaque and its byproducts along the gumline, which provoke an inflammatory response. Risk factors that increase susceptibility include smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, genetic predisposition, certain medications, and hormonal changes. Poor oral hygiene, stress, and immune system disorders can also contribute to accelerated tissue breakdown.
Age and prior history of periodontal disease raise the likelihood of recurrence, and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease can be associated with periodontal inflammation. Modifying controllable risks — for example by quitting smoking and optimizing blood sugar control — improves the effectiveness of treatment. Your dental team will evaluate your risk profile and tailor a prevention and treatment plan to your individual needs.
Diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical exam that includes measuring pocket depths around each tooth, checking for bleeding on probing, and assessing gum recession and tooth mobility. Diagnostic dental radiographs are used to evaluate bone levels and detect areas of bone loss that are not visible clinically. Medical history, medication review, and lifestyle factors are also considered because they influence risk and treatment choices.
Periodontal charting and photographic records help track disease progression and response to therapy over time. A clear diagnosis distinguishes gingivitis from periodontitis and guides whether non-surgical care, surgical intervention, or a combination of approaches is most appropriate. Establishing a baseline enables the dental team to monitor healing and schedule appropriate maintenance visits.
Non-surgical periodontal therapy is the first-line treatment for most cases and begins with thorough scaling and root planing to remove plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gumline. This mechanical cleaning smooths the tooth roots to discourage bacterial reaccumulation and reduce inflammation of the surrounding tissues. Adjunctive measures such as localized antimicrobial agents, medicated irrigation, or short courses of systemic antibiotics may be used when indicated.
Good home care, including effective brushing and interdental cleaning, is essential for non-surgical therapy to succeed and for long-term stability. Some practices also use laser-assisted therapy or antimicrobial rinses as supplements to improve bacterial control. Following initial therapy, patients are typically placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule to monitor healing and prevent recurrence.
Periodontal surgery is recommended when deep pockets persist despite non-surgical therapy, when access for thorough cleaning is limited, or when corrective procedures are needed to restore the supporting structures. Surgical goals include reducing pocket depth, removing diseased tissue, recontouring bone, and creating an environment that is easier to maintain with home care. Decisions about surgery depend on pocket depth, bone level, tooth stability, and the patient’s overall health and treatment goals.
Common surgical procedures include flap surgery to expose and clean root surfaces, osseous recontouring to reshape supporting bone, and crown lengthening when restorative needs require repositioning of the gumline. Lasers are sometimes used as an adjunct to surgery to reduce bacteria and refine soft tissue contours in selected cases. Your clinician will discuss the recommended technique, expected healing timeline, and the postoperative instructions to support recovery.
Regenerative procedures aim to restore lost bone and connective tissue so teeth have better support and stability. Bone grafts use natural or synthetic materials placed into bony defects to serve as a scaffold for new bone formation, while guided tissue regeneration uses barrier membranes to direct healing of the periodontal attachment. Growth factors or biologic agents may be applied to stimulate the body’s natural regenerative processes and improve predictability.
These procedures are often combined with flap surgery so the site can be properly cleaned and the regenerative materials precisely placed. When successful, regeneration can reduce pocket depth, improve tooth prognosis, and create a more stable foundation for future restorative work such as dental implants. Because healing can take several months, careful postoperative care and maintenance are important to protect the surgical site and support optimal outcomes.
After periodontal treatment patients can expect some degree of swelling, mild discomfort, and minor bleeding during the initial healing phase, which usually subsides within days to a week. Short-term changes in tooth sensitivity or the way your bite feels are common as tissues heal and inflammation resolves. Your clinician will provide specific instructions about pain control, oral hygiene modifications, diet, and activity to support healing.
Longer-term recovery varies with the type of procedure; non-surgical therapy often stabilizes within a few weeks while surgical and regenerative procedures may take several months to achieve full healing. Follow-up visits for professional cleaning and monitoring are critical to ensure pockets are reduced and to detect any early signs of recurrence. Communicating any unexpected symptoms such as increasing pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or persistent drainage ensures timely management.
Preventing gum disease starts with daily home care: brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes, and maintaining regular professional cleanings. Addressing controllable risk factors such as tobacco use and poorly controlled diabetes significantly reduces the likelihood of disease progression. Using an antimicrobial mouthrinse or a prescribed topical medication may be recommended for patients with higher risk.
Regular periodontal maintenance appointments allow clinicians to remove hard-to-reach deposits, monitor pocket depths, and reinforce home care techniques. At Fay Hu General Dentistry our team provides individualized preventive plans and patient education to support long-term periodontal health. Early detection and consistent maintenance are the most reliable strategies to protect natural teeth and overall oral health.
You should consider seeing a periodontist when advanced periodontitis, persistent deep pockets, ongoing bone loss, or complex surgical needs are identified during evaluation. Periodontists have specialized training in surgical and regenerative procedures, implant placement, and management of severe periodontal disease. Referral is also appropriate when systemic conditions complicate healing or when coordinated care with other medical specialists is required.
The office of Fay Hu General Dentistry coordinates referrals and collaborates closely with specialists to ensure comprehensive, individualized care plans for patients. Working as a team allows your general dentist and periodontist to sequence treatment effectively and to monitor long-term outcomes. If you have questions about a referral or what to expect from specialist care, discuss them during your consultation so the team can address your concerns.
We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of dental care to our patients.
Through excellence in dentistry and quality in relationships, we strive to positively impact your oral health, aesthetics, and self-esteem. From the front desk to the treatment room, our experienced team is here to support you with expert care and genuine compassion.
