Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and affects millions of people across the country, yet it often develops quietly and without obvious pain. Many of the same bacteria that cause cavities live along the gumline and can trigger an inflammatory response that damages the tissues and bone around the teeth. The encouraging news is that, with the right combination of prevention, detection, and timely care, most forms of periodontal disease can be controlled or reversed. At Smith Tano Dental Group, we prioritize practical, evidence-based strategies to help patients protect the long-term health of their smiles.
Gum disease begins when dental plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — accumulates at the margin where tooth meets gum. Left in place, this biofilm hardens into tartar and releases toxins that irritate the soft tissues. That irritation leads to inflammation, redness, and the breakdown of the structures that anchor teeth. Because early stages may produce only subtle signs, vigilance and routine dental exams are essential for catching problems before they progress.
Many people dismiss occasional bleeding or bad breath as minor annoyances, yet these can be early indicators of a disease process. As inflammation persists, the body’s immune response and bacterial activity can create pockets between the tooth root and the gum, where destructive bacteria continue to flourish. Over time these pockets deepen and, if left untreated, can lead to irreversible tissue and bone loss.
Understanding the common warning signs can prompt earlier intervention. If you notice ongoing redness, bleeding when you brush or floss, increased tooth sensitivity, or changes in how your teeth fit together, it’s important to schedule an evaluation. Early action preserves options and makes treatment more predictable.
Signs that warrant a periodontal evaluation include:
Red, swollen, or tender gums that don’t resolve with improved cleaning
Bleeding during brushing or flossing, even if it seems minor
Receding gumlines or exposed root surfaces accompanied by sensitivity
Persistent bad breath or a constantly unpleasant taste in the mouth
Loose teeth, new gaps between teeth, or changes in bite and denture fit
Good periodontal health supports not only a stable, comfortable bite and a confident smile, but it also contributes to overall well-being. Research increasingly links chronic gum inflammation with systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory illness. While the relationships are complex and still under study, controlling oral inflammation is a sensible step toward reducing inflammatory burden throughout the body.
Preventive care and routine periodontal maintenance are powerful tools for minimizing long-term risk. For patients with chronic conditions, coordinated care between dental and medical providers can help manage inflammation more effectively. Our team at Smith Tano Dental Group works with patients to create realistic, long-term plans that align with their health goals and lifestyles.
Investing in gum health also preserves bone and soft tissue that support teeth. When periodontal disease is addressed early, less invasive measures are often sufficient, and patients retain more natural structure. That preservation translates into better function, less need for extensive restorative work later, and improved comfort for everyday activities like eating and speaking.
Gingivitis is the earliest, reversible stage of gum disease. It is driven primarily by plaque accumulation and is characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Because it typically doesn’t cause severe pain, gingivitis can be easy to ignore. Fortunately, with focused hygiene improvements and professional cleaning, the inflammation can usually be resolved and the tissue returned to health.
A treatment plan for gingivitis typically emphasizes removing the local irritants and helping patients establish an effective home-care routine. This may include more thorough brushing and interdental cleaning, a short course of targeted antimicrobial measures, and a schedule of professional appointments to monitor progress. Education and small behavioral changes often make a large difference.
Consistent follow-up is the key to preventing recurrence. Even after gingivitis resolves, patients benefit from periodic periodontal monitoring and maintenance visits. Those check-ins allow the dental team to catch any early signs of relapse and to reinforce techniques that keep plaque under control.
When gingivitis is not addressed, the inflammation can extend deeper into the periodontium and develop into periodontitis. In this stage, connective tissues and the bone that support teeth begin to break down. Pockets form and deepen around the tooth roots, and the structural integrity that keeps teeth stable is compromised. This is the point at which conservative measures alone may be insufficient to restore lost support.
Treatment for periodontitis focuses on halting disease activity and preserving as much natural tissue and bone as possible. The clinical goal is to reduce bacterial load, manage inflammation, and create conditions that allow healing and easier hygiene. A combination of professional procedures and a diligent home-care plan is often required to control the disease and minimize future loss.
While advanced periodontitis can be challenging, modern techniques — including regenerative procedures, grafting, and careful surgical intervention when appropriate — can improve prognosis and function. Timely diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan help keep long-term outcomes favorable.
Periodontal treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Clinicians evaluate disease severity, pocket depth, bone levels, general health, and individual goals to recommend a course of action. Early disease is generally managed with non-surgical therapies and improved oral hygiene, while more advanced cases may require surgical intervention or regenerative techniques to restore support.
Open communication between patient and provider leads to better adherence and outcomes. During your assessment, expect a clear explanation of findings, the risks and benefits of recommended options, and a maintenance plan designed to keep inflammation controlled over the long term. Modern periodontal care combines proven mechanical therapies with selective use of adjunctive antimicrobials and, when indicated, minimally invasive technologies.
Our approach emphasizes predictable results, patient comfort, and measurable improvements. Wherever possible, we prioritize conservative measures and escalate to surgical or regenerative therapies only when they offer a clear advantage in preserving oral health and function.
When disease is detected early to moderate in severity, non-surgical therapies are the first line of care. Scaling and root planing — a deep cleaning below the gumline — removes plaque and calculus from root surfaces and smooths the area to discourage bacterial recolonization. In many cases this reduces pocket depth and allows the gum tissue to reattach.
Adjunctive measures, such as localized antimicrobial placement or systemic medications in select cases, can enhance results when indicated. The goal is to reduce the bacterial challenge and give the tissues an opportunity to heal while supporting the patient’s home care efforts. Follow-up and maintenance visits are critical to ensure stability.
Non-surgical care is typically the most conservative and cost-effective approach to regain periodontal health when applied promptly and consistently. If deeper issues persist despite these measures, surgical options may be discussed to achieve the necessary outcome.
When pocket depths are beyond the reach of non-surgical cleaning or when there is significant bone loss, periodontal surgery can be recommended to access and thoroughly clean the roots and to reshape or regenerate lost tissues. Common procedures include flap surgery to reduce pocket depth, guided tissue regeneration, and grafting techniques to rebuild bone and soft tissue.
The objectives of pocket reduction and regenerative procedures are practical: eliminate deep bacterial reservoirs, reestablish an environment that can be kept clean at home, and restore as much structural support as possible. In many instances, surgical intervention combined with a committed maintenance program significantly improves long-term tooth retention.
Advances in technology, such as the selective use of lasers for tissue management and minimally invasive techniques, can sometimes reduce discomfort and speed recovery. Your clinician will discuss which methods are appropriate for your situation and outline realistic expectations for healing and follow-up care.
The primary goals of periodontal surgery include:
Remove sub-gingival bacteria and calculus from root surfaces
Stabilize or restore lost bone and recontour hard tissues where necessary
Reduce pocket depth to make daily cleaning and professional maintenance more effective
Keeping your gums healthy is an achievable goal with the right blend of prevention, early detection, and personalized care. If you’d like to learn more about the periodontal services we offer or discuss a tailored plan for your needs, please contact us for more information.
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 Smith Tano Dental Group, 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.
