Let’s make it simple: Periodontal disease is an infection. It exists under the gum and, if untreated, it begins to erode those very structures that keep your teeth secure. It’s a slow, insidious process, often painless, at least at first, and that’s what makes it all the more perilous. You may not even know you have it until your gums start to bleed or your teeth begin to fall out. Perhaps a bit of slack, or suddenly sensitive.
Now, before we get into the details, let’s make clear this isn’t just a mouth problem. Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, can affect the body from head to toe. When bacteria find their way into your bloodstream (and yes, they definitely can do that), they can increase your risk for some serious maladies such as coronary artery disease, strokes, Alzheimer’s, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and even certain cancers. Research, not even limited to dental and craniofacial, has for many years linked poor oral hygiene and systemic diseases. It’s gruesome, but it’s also avoidable.
So, What Exactly Is Going On In Your Mouth?
That’s because when a person has periodontal disease, what they have is an overgrowth of harmful periodontal bacteria. These bacteria inhabit dental plaque, they thrive in warm, moist areas just beneath your gumline. Failure to remove plaque regularly via good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing means it can harden and form tartar, a calcified substance that creates cavity-causing bacteria and has to be removed soon to prevent irritating your gums are irritated. Inflammation results from this irritation.
It’s known as gingivitis in its early stages. Your gums might be swollen. Perhaps they bleed when you floss. That’s your first red flag.
If it advances and is left untreated, it frequently does so, your gums start to pull away from your teeth. You get what are called periodontal “pockets,” which is what it sounds like: spaces between your teeth and your gums in which bacteria like to camp out. Over time, this inflammation can result in loss of bone and loose or lost teeth.
And no, the illness doesn’t suddenly end. Once the protective barriers in your mouth are breached, your entire system can come under attack.
Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?
Here’s where it gets interesting, and maybe a bit uncomfortable. Growing evidence suggests that in a sense, periodontal disease is contagious. You won’t catch it like the flu, but since the bacteria that cause the infection can be spread through saliva, spending a lot of intimate time with someone who has untreated gum disease may mean you’re at risk. Kissing could be a factor, so could sharing utensils and even sneezing in close quarters. That doesn’t mean you’re doomed to get the disease, but if you already have risk factors for gum disease, such as smoking, diabetes, or a family history of gum disease, the chances go up.
Common Symptoms That You Might Be Ignoring
Because periodontal disease progresses quietly, symptoms often go unnoticed—or dismissed as “normal.” Here’s what to watch out for:
Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
Swollen gums or redness near the gum line
Receding gums
Loose or sensitive teeth
Persistent bad breath
Deep pockets between the teeth and gum tissue
Changes in the way your bite feels
Some of these might not seem alarming at first. Maybe your gums only bleed occasionally. Or perhaps you’ve always had “sensitive” teeth. That’s exactly why early detection is so important.
How Is It Diagnosed?
At Elite Smiles, diagnosis starts with a saliva test. It’s a simple process that doesn’t hurt at all and reveals a lot. The test identifies the specific types of periodontal bacteria that are responsible for inflammation and destruction. The sooner we can detect them, the easier it is to intercept the advance.
And yes, periodontal disease is stoppable, particularly in the early stages. However, as soon as we have the results in hand, we develop a treatment plan that addresses not only what’s happening above the gumline, but also what’s happening below it.
Treating Periodontal Disease
It turns out that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment for more severe gum disease. But there are some basic things at play. You may hear some terms during your appointment that you’re not familiar with, so here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)
Often the first step. This is a deep-cleaning treatment that gets rid of hardened plaque and tartar below the gum line. Next, we polish up the roots of the teeth. This helps the gum tissue to begin to reattach and decreases areas where bacteria can hide. It’s an essential part of successfully treating gum disease.
2. Laser Bacterial Removal (LBR)
This high-tech procedure targets and destroys the bacteria in the periodontal pockets using laser energy. It’s often paired with SRP for maximum impact. The goal? Reduce inflammation and disinfect the area safely.
3. Ozone Therapy
This one sounds a bit sci-fi, but it’s actually quite effective. Ozone (a form of oxygen) is introduced to the treatment area. It creates an oxidative burst, essentially overwhelming the bacteria. They can’t defend against it, and they die off quickly. Ozone gas and ozone oil may both be used, depending on what your condition needs.
4. PRF Injections
In more severe cases, we may recommend PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) injections into the periodontal sulcus. It’s a way to accelerate healing using your body’s regenerative power.
After treatment, a re-evaluation is scheduled in 4–6 weeks. At this visit, we reassess gum pocket depth, tissue health, and discuss maintenance steps, like how to prevent developing periodontal disease again. It’s not just about fixing the issue once; it’s about keeping your oral health strong for the long haul.
What to Expect During And After Treatment
Let’s be real: treating periodontal gum disease isn’t exactly a spa day. But it’s not nearly as uncomfortable as people fear, either.
During treatment, you’ll receive a local anesthetic to keep things comfortable. Most people feel pressure, not pain.
Afterward, the area may be a bit sore. Gum tissue could be tender. Some people notice their teeth feel more sensitive for a few days. If PRF injections were part of the process, you might have mild soreness at the injection site. That’s normal—and temporary.
Long-Term Outlook: What Happens if You Don’t Treat It?
Let’s not sugarcoat it: left untreated, periodontal disease only gets worse. What starts as mild inflammation can eventually lead to complete tooth loss. The infection can spread beyond your mouth and contribute to bacteremia, where bacteria enter the bloodstream.
We’ve mentioned the systemic risks, but it bears repeating: gum disease is linked to diabetes, coronary artery disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. It’s not just about your smile—it’s about your entire body.
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease
The good news? It’s preventable. Really. The best way to treat gum disease is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Here’s how to stay ahead of it:
Brush at least twice daily (use a soft-bristled toothbrush)
Floss every day—yes, every day
Avoid tobacco
Eat a balanced diet to support healthy teeth and gums
Get regular cleanings and checkups
Stay aware of risk factors (like a family history of gum disease, diabetes, or hormonal changes)
If you’ve already had treatment, your dental team will likely establish a periodontal maintenance schedule, which may include more frequent cleanings, targeted monitoring, and additional treatments as needed.
Final Thoughts - Prioritize Your Oral Health Today!
Periodontal disease doesn’t always scream for attention. Often, it whispers or says nothing at all. But its effects can be loud, long-lasting, and far-reaching. The loss of a tooth isn’t just cosmetic; it’s a sign that something deeper went unchecked.
At Elite Smiles, we don’t just treat gums. We work to preserve your entire oral health because healthy gums mean healthy lives. If you’re noticing bleeding, recession, or your teeth feel just a little too loose, don’t wait. Let’s find out what’s going on, together.
Taking care of your teeth and gums today lays the groundwork for a healthier tomorrow. So don’t wait until something hurts. Be proactive. Talk to our dental team, ask questions, and stay curious about your oral health. Because when your mouth is healthy, it’s a lot easier for the rest of you to stay that way too.