Periodontal Disease Treatment

Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis (Early Stage)

• • Red, swollen, or tender gums

• • Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing

• • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)

• • No bone loss at this stage, making it reversible with professional care

Periodontitis (Advanced Gum Disease)

• • Gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming deep pockets

• • Bone loss begins as infection spreads

• • Teeth may loosen or shift

• • Increased risk of tooth loss if left untreated

Gum disease is often painless in the early stages, making regular dental checkups essential for early detection and treatment.

Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Many people don’t realize they have gum disease until it reaches an advanced stage. Common warning signs include:

• • Red, swollen, or tender gums

• • Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing

• • Receding gums (teeth appearing longer)

• • Loose or shifting teeth

• • Pain when chewing

• • Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

• • Pus between the teeth and gums (a sign of infection)

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Brookside Family Dentistry for a comprehensive gum evaluation.

How Gum Disease Affects Your Overall Health

Research has linked periodontal disease to serious health conditions beyond just tooth loss. When your gums become infected, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of:

• • Heart disease & stroke – Inflammation from gum disease may contribute to plaque buildup in arteries

• • Diabetes complications – Gum disease makes it harder to control blood sugar levels

• • Respiratory infections – Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs

• • Pregnancy risks – Studies suggest a link between gum disease and preterm birth or low birth weight

At Brookside Family Dentistry, we emphasize early detection and proactive treatment to protect both your oral and overall health.

Periodontal Disease Treatment Options

Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)

For patients with early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) or mild periodontitis, we perform a non-surgical deep cleaning called scaling and root planing.

• • Scaling: Removes plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline

• • Root Planing: Smooths the tooth root surfaces to discourage bacteria from reattaching

This minimally invasive procedure helps reduce inflammation, stop infection, and promote gum reattachment.

Laser Therapy for Gum Disease

Advanced laser technology allows for precise removal of infected gum tissue while preserving healthy areas. Benefits of laser therapy include:

• • Less discomfort than traditional surgery

• • Faster healing times

• • Reduced risk of infection

This cutting-edge treatment makes gum disease therapy more effective and comfortable.

Antibiotic Therapy

We may prescribe localized antibiotics to help eliminate bacteria in deep gum pockets. Antibiotics can be used in conjunction with scaling and root planing to enhance healing.

Gum Surgery (For Severe Cases)

In advanced periodontitis, surgical treatment may be necessary to:

• • Remove infected tissue

• • Regenerate lost bone with grafting procedures

• • Restore gum structure with soft tissue grafts

Our team will discuss all available treatment options to determine the best approach for your specific needs.

How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is through good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Here’s how you can keep your gums healthy:

• • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

• • Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth

• • Use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria

• • Avoid smoking and tobacco use, which increases gum disease risk

• • Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals

• • Schedule regular dental checkups every six months

Early detection is key—the sooner gum disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

Schedule a Gum Health Evaluation in O’Fallon, MO

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, don’t wait until the problem worsens. At Brookside Family Dentistry, we offer comprehensive periodontal exams and advanced treatments to restore and maintain healthy gums.

Protect your smile and overall health—schedule an appointment today!