Most people don’t think much about their gums until a problem becomes hard to ignore. But gum disease doesn’t appear overnight. It develops quietly, spreading through your gum tissue, damaging bone, and threatening your teeth without causing much pain in the beginning.
By the time symptoms such as gum recession or loose teeth show up, permanent damage may have already occurred. Gum disease treatment is the only way to stop its progress and protect your oral health.
Many people also believe gum disease is rare. It’s not.
What You May Not Know About Gum Disease
Despite being easy to overlook, gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions in adults. In fact:
- Over 80 percent of adults in the United States have some form of gum disease
- Nearly 70 percent of all tooth loss can be traced back to untreated periodontal disease
- Some medications—like oral contraceptives, anti-anxiety medication, and certain heart drugs—can raise your risk
- Pregnant women often experience gum inflammation or early signs of periodontal disease
- Chronic teeth grinding or clenching puts extra stress on your gums, worsening any underlying damage
- Statistically, you’re more likely to get periodontal disease than to be bitten by a shark—the odds are roughly one in three
The condition affects far more people than most realize and goes unnoticed until it causes permanent harm. That’s why early detection and treatment are so important.
When It’s More Than Just Bleeding Gums
Bleeding while brushing or flossing often feels like no big deal. But it’s a key early sign of gum disease. What starts as mild inflammation can quickly spread beneath the gumline, attacking the structures that keep teeth in place—including connective tissue and bone.
You may notice redness, swelling, or that your breath smells bad, no matter what you do. Your gums might start pulling away from the teeth, or your teeth may begin to feel different when you bite down. Even slight changes can indicate that your gum tissue is breaking down.
Don’t wait for pain. By the time gum disease causes noticeable discomfort, extensive damage may have already occurred.
What Gum Disease Treatment Looks Like
There’s no single treatment that works for everyone. The most effective approach depends on how far the disease has progressed. If gum disease is caught early—such as in cases of gingivitis—less invasive solutions like professional dental cleanings and improved daily oral care may be all that’s needed.
Laser Scaling and Root Planing
Laser scaling and root planing is a highly effective non-surgical procedure that targets plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gumline. This treatment uses advanced laser technology to comfortably remove debris from deep periodontal pockets, minimizing discomfort and promoting faster healing compared to traditional methods. The roots of the teeth are carefully smoothed during the procedure, which helps the gums reattach more securely and reduces the depth of pockets where bacteria can accumulate.
Most patients experience less bleeding, swelling, and post-treatment sensitivity with laser therapy, making it a popular choice for managing advanced gum disease.
Antibacterial Therapy
When bacteria remain deep within the gum pockets—beyond the reach of brushing and flossing—antibacterial therapy can offer powerful support. These treatments involve placing antibiotic agents directly into the affected areas, where they slowly release medication to combat infection over time. By reducing bacterial activity, this therapy helps calm inflammation and prevent the disease from progressing further. Antibacterial therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments like scaling and root planing for a more comprehensive approach to healing.
Surgical Treatment
In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary to restore oral health when gum disease has caused extensive damage.
One common procedure is flap surgery, during which the gums are gently lifted to allow deep cleaning around the roots and bone. Your dentist may also recommend gum grafts or bone grafting to rebuild areas where tissue or bone has been lost due to advanced periodontal disease. These surgical techniques are designed to preserve your natural teeth, reshape damaged gum tissue, and promote regeneration for long-term stability. Surgical treatment is typically recommended when other therapies aren’t sufficient to reverse the effects of severe gum disease.
All of these treatments aim to stop further damage and stabilize your oral health. In every case, the focus is on preventing tooth loss and preserving the natural structure of your mouth.
Why Oral Health Affects Your Whole Body
Gum disease doesn’t stay in your mouth. When bacteria from infected gum tissue enter the bloodstream, they can spread to other parts of the body. This can increase your risk for health problems far removed from your teeth and gums.
Several studies link periodontal disease to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even pregnancy complications such as premature birth. These connections make it clear that oral health and general health are not separate—they’re deeply connected.
This is another reason why regular dental care is essential, even if your teeth feel fine.
What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk
The good news is that gum disease is often preventable. Practicing good oral hygiene and staying on top of routine checkups makes a real impact.
- Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste to control bacteria and remove soft plaque
- Floss once daily to clean between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach
- Schedule regular dental visits every six months or as recommended by your provider
- Partner with a dental hygienist to monitor the health of your gums over time
- Ask your dentist about early signs of bone loss or gum recession and whether scaling and root planing is right for you
These steps won’t guarantee perfect health, but they can significantly reduce your chances of developing a serious form of gum disease. The key is consistency and early intervention.
Take the First Step Before It Gets Worse
Once gum disease becomes advanced, no amount of brushing will fix it. Treatment at that stage becomes more complex, and the chance of tooth loss increases. But if caught early, gum disease can often be managed without invasive procedures.
If you’re seeing signs like bleeding, gum recession, or shifting teeth—or if you haven’t had a dental exam in a while—it’s time to take action. A dental visit may reveal early signs of infection and give you a clear path forward.
Gum disease treatment isn’t just about fixing a dental issue. It’s about protecting your long-term health, preventing future complications, and keeping your smile intact. The sooner you respond to signs of periodontal disease, the more options you have to preserve your gums, your teeth, and your health.
We are pleased to offer a wide variety of treatments to patients at our New Jersey laser dentistry practice. The treatments that we offer are customized to fulfill your dental needs and enhance your oral health. To learn more about the services that we provide, contact Dr. Richard Bucher and his smile specialists today.