Periodontal Care

Protecting Your Gums and Preserving Your Teeth

Your gums are the foundation of your smile. Healthy gums support your teeth, protect the underlying bone, and contribute to your overall health. When gum disease develops, it threatens not just your oral health but your systemic health as well.

At South Holston Dental Designs, we provide comprehensive periodontal care to prevent, diagnose, and treat gum disease at every stage. Our goal is to help you maintain healthy gums for life and preserve your natural teeth.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It starts with bacterial buildup along the gum line and, if left untreated, progresses to affect the bone that holds your teeth in place.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults—yet it’s often painless in the early stages, making regular dental checkups essential for early detection.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis – Early Stage

The mildest form of gum disease causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. At this stage, the infection hasn’t affected the bone yet, and the condition is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.

Periodontitis – Advanced Stage

When gingivitis goes untreated, it progresses to periodontitis. The infection spreads below the gum line, causing gums to pull away from teeth and form pockets where more bacteria accumulate. The supporting bone begins to deteriorate. Without treatment, teeth eventually become loose and may fall out or require extraction.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease often develops gradually and painlessly, which is why many people don’t realize they have it. Watch for these warning signs:

Early warning signs:

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Gums that have pulled away from teeth
• Pus between teeth and gums

Advanced symptoms:

• Loose or separating teeth
• Changes in your bite
• Changes in how partial dentures fit
• Visible recession exposing tooth roots
• Pain when chewing

If you notice any of these symptoms, call us for an evaluation. Early treatment can prevent progression and save your teeth.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Plaque and Tartar Buildup

The primary cause of gum disease is plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When plaque isn’t removed through daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus) that can only be removed by professional cleaning.

Bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that irritate gums, causing inflammation and infection.

Risk Factors

Some factors increase your risk of developing gum disease:

Smoking or tobacco use – The single biggest risk factor. Smokers are 2-7 times more likely to develop gum disease.

Poor oral hygiene – Inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque to accumulate.

Genetics – Some people are genetically more susceptible to gum disease.

Diabetes – People with diabetes are at higher risk and may experience more severe gum disease.

Medications – Some drugs reduce saliva flow, making the mouth more vulnerable to infection.

Hormonal changes – Pregnancy, menopause, and monthly menstruation make gums more sensitive.

Stress – Makes it harder for your body to fight infection, including gum disease.

Poor nutrition – Vitamin C deficiency in particular affects gum health.

Teeth grinding – Puts excess force on teeth and supporting tissues.

Our Periodontal Services

Periodontal Evaluation

At every routine checkup, we evaluate your gum health by:

• Visually examining your gums for signs of inflammation
• Measuring pocket depths around each tooth (healthy gums have pockets 3mm or less)
• Checking for bleeding when probing
• Evaluating tooth mobility
• Reviewing x-rays to assess bone levels
• Discussing risk factors and symptoms

This thorough evaluation allows us to catch gum disease early when it’s most treatable.

Professional Dental Cleanings

Regular professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing miss. For patients with healthy gums, cleanings every six months prevent gingivitis from developing.

During your cleaning, your hygienist:

• Removes plaque and tartar above and below the gum line
• Polishes teeth to remove stains and create smooth surfaces that resist plaque
• Flosses between all teeth
• Provides personalized oral hygiene instruction

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

When gum disease has progressed beyond gingivitis, regular cleaning isn’t enough. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that treats periodontitis by removing infection from below the gum line.

Scaling – We carefully remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and beneath the gum line, down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket.

Root Planing – We smooth the root surfaces, which helps gums reattach to teeth and makes it harder for bacteria to accumulate in the future.

What to expect:

We typically complete scaling and root planing over two appointments, treating one side of your mouth at a time. We numb the area completely so you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.

After treatment, your gums will gradually heal and tighten around your teeth. Pocket depths should decrease, and inflammation should resolve. Most patients notice significant improvement within a few weeks.

Periodontal Maintenance

Once you’ve been treated for gum disease, you’ll need more frequent cleanings—typically every 3-4 months rather than every six months. These maintenance visits prevent gum disease from returning and help us monitor your progress.

Periodontal maintenance appointments include:

• Careful cleaning of all tooth surfaces
• Pocket depth measurements to track healing
• Review of your home care routine
• Early intervention if we notice any areas of concern

Periodontal maintenance is essential. Gum disease is a chronic condition that can return without ongoing care. Regular maintenance visits give you the best chance of long-term success.

Antibiotic Therapy

In some cases, we may recommend antibiotic therapy to help control bacterial infection. Options include:

Antibiotic mouth rinses – Prescription-strength rinses that reduce bacteria

Antibiotic gels – Applied directly into periodontal pockets after deep cleaning

Oral antibiotics – Systemic antibiotics for more severe or widespread infection

Locally delivered antibiotics – Tiny antibiotic-filled fibers or microspheres placed in pockets

Antibiotics are used in conjunction with scaling and root planing, not as a replacement for mechanical cleaning.

The Connection Between Gum Disease and Overall Health

Gum disease isn’t just an oral health problem—it’s connected to your overall health. Research has linked periodontal disease to several serious health conditions:

Heart disease and stroke – People with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease. The bacteria and inflammation from gum disease may contribute to arterial plaque buildup.

Diabetes – The relationship goes both ways: diabetes increases gum disease risk, and gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control.

Respiratory disease – Bacteria from infected gums can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing pneumonia and other respiratory infections.

Pregnancy complications – Pregnant women with gum disease have higher rates of premature birth and low birth weight babies.

Alzheimer’s disease – Research suggests a possible link between gum disease and cognitive decline.

Rheumatoid arthritis – The inflammatory processes may be connected.

Taking care of your gums isn’t just about saving your teeth—it’s about protecting your overall health.

Preventing Gum Disease

The good news? Gum disease is largely preventable with proper care.

At Home

Brush twice daily – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush for two minutes, paying attention to the gum line.

Floss daily – Flossing removes plaque from between teeth and under the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. If you struggle with traditional floss, try floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes.

Use antimicrobial mouthwash – An ADA-approved mouthwash can help reduce bacteria.

Don’t smoke – If you smoke, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your gum health.

Eat a healthy diet – Good nutrition supports your immune system’s ability to fight infection.

Professional Care

Regular checkups – See us every six months (or more frequently if you have gum disease) for professional cleanings and evaluations.

Early intervention – If we detect early signs of gum disease, treatment is simpler and more successful.

Follow treatment plans – If you’ve been treated for gum disease, keep your maintenance appointments and follow our recommendations.

When to See Us Immediately

Call for an urgent appointment if you experience:

• Severe gum swelling or pain
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Sudden looseness of teeth
• Pus or abscess on gums
• Fever along with gum symptoms

These could indicate serious infection requiring immediate treatment.

Gum Recession

Gum recession—when gum tissue pulls back from teeth, exposing roots—is common with advancing age and can result from gum disease, aggressive brushing, or genetics.

Problems caused by recession:

• Exposed roots are sensitive to hot, cold, and sweets
• Increased risk of root decay
• Aesthetic concerns (teeth look longer)
• Eventually, tooth loss if bone support is compromised

Treatment options:

• Improved brushing technique and softer toothbrush
• Desensitizing toothpaste for sensitivity
• Bonding to cover exposed roots
• In severe cases, gum grafting may be recommended (we can refer you to a trusted specialist)

Cost and Insurance

Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatment:

Cleanings – Typically covered at 100% (preventive)

Scaling and Root Planing – Usually covered at 50-80% after deductible

Periodontal Maintenance – Often covered at 80-100%

We’ll verify your insurance benefits and provide a detailed estimate before treatment. Investing in periodontal care now costs far less than treating tooth loss later.

Financing options are available to help make treatment affordable.

Why Choose South Holston Dental Designs?

Comprehensive Periodontal Care

We provide complete gum disease treatment in our office, from diagnosis through maintenance. No referrals to outside specialists for routine periodontal care.

Early Detection

Our thorough evaluations at every checkup catch gum disease in its earliest, most treatable stages.

Gentle, Comfortable Treatment

We use modern anesthesia techniques and take our time to ensure your comfort during treatment. We also offer nitrous oxide sedation for anxious patients.

Personalized Treatment Plans

We develop treatment plans based on the severity of your condition, your risk factors, and your goals. No one-size-fits-all approach.

Long-Term Support

We’re committed to helping you maintain healthy gums for life through regular maintenance and education.

Patient Education

We take time to explain what we’re seeing, why it matters, and how to improve your gum health. We’ll show you problem areas and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Don’t Ignore Your Gums

Gum disease rarely causes pain until it’s advanced, but by then, significant damage may already be done. Regular dental checkups are essential for catching gum disease early when treatment is simplest and most effective.

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, bad breath, or any other warning signs, don’t wait. Early treatment can prevent tooth loss and protect your overall health.