Healthy Gums Are the Foundation of a Healthy Smile
Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is a chronic infection of the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. It affects a large share of American adults, yet most people have no idea they have it. Gum disease typically doesn’t hurt in its early stages. Left untreated, it continues to progress quietly, leading to bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, abscesses, and eventually tooth loss.
There is no permanent cure for periodontal disease, but it can be effectively treated and managed. At Gilreath Family Dentistry, our doctors and dental hygienists work together to stop gum infection, minimize bone loss, and help patients throughout Marietta and Cobb County keep their natural teeth for life.
Book a Periodontal EvaluationUnderstanding the Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease ranges from mild to severe, and treatment depends on how far it has progressed.
- Gingivitis – Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest stage of gum disease. When plaque and tartar build up along the gumline, they irritate the gums, which become red, inflamed and tender and often bleed during brushing or flossing. At this stage, there is no bone loss, and gingivitis can usually be reversed with professional cleanings and improved home care.
- Periodontitis – As gingivitis progresses, bacteria spread below the gumline. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where infection grows and the supporting bone breaks down. This stage requires professional periodontal therapy to control the infection.
- Advanced Periodontitis – In the most advanced stage, significant bone loss can cause teeth to loosen, shift, or even fall out. Patients may notice chronic bad breath, pus around the teeth, and changes in their bite. Prompt treatment is essential to save the remaining teeth.
Signs It’s Time for a Gum Disease Evaluation
Because gum disease is often painless, it’s important to watch for these common warning signs:
- Gums that bleed when brushing, flossing, or eating crunchy foods
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing or mouthwash
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Pus or signs of infection around the teeth
- Changes in how the teeth fit together when biting
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should schedule a gum evaluation at our Marietta office as soon as possible.
How Gilreath Family Dentistry Restores Gum Health
Treating gum disease is a partnership between our clinical team and each patient. Here’s what the journey back to healthy gums looks like:
Comprehensive Gum Evaluation
A dental hygienist measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth and evaluates the gum tissue for inflammation, bleeding, and recession.
Digital X-Rays
Low-dose digital X-rays show the bone levels around each tooth, helping our doctors determine the stage of the disease.
Personalized Treatment Plan
One of our doctors reviews the findings and explains the diagnosis clearly. They then recommend the right combination of treatments for the patient’s needs.
Active Periodontal Therapy
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include a deep cleaning, localized antibiotics, and oral antibiotic therapy to eliminate infection and help the gums heal.
Healing and Reevaluation
After treatment, the gums are reevaluated to measure improvement and confirm that inflammation and pocket depths are under control.
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Patients return for periodontal maintenance cleanings at regular intervals to keep gum disease from returning and to protect the teeth and bone long term.
The Connection Between Gum Health and Overall Health
The bacteria that cause gum disease don’t stay in the mouth. Research has linked periodontal disease to other health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Chronic inflammation in the gums can affect the rest of the body, and conditions like diabetes can make gum disease harder to control.
Keeping gums healthy is about more than protecting a smile. It’s an important part of protecting overall health and well-being.
Insurance and Payment Options for Periodontal Treatment
Many dental insurance plans include benefits for periodontal treatments such as deep cleanings and periodontal maintenance. Gilreath Family Dentistry accepts most insurance plans and files claims on behalf of our patients. Our insurance specialist will review coverage and explain expected costs before treatment begins.
We also accept HSA and FSA funds, offer financing through CareCredit, subject to approval, and provide an in-house Membership Club for patients without dental insurance.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Gums in Marietta
Gum disease is easier to manage when it’s caught early. Whether it’s bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or a previous diagnosis of periodontal disease, Gilreath Family Dentistry can help restore healthy gums and protect your smile. Contact our office at 200 White St NW, Marietta, GA 30060 in Marietta to schedule a periodontal evaluation.
Schedule an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
About Periodontal Treatment
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. It begins as gingivitis, when plaque and tartar irritate the gums, and can progress to periodontitis, which causes bone loss around the teeth. Without treatment, periodontal disease can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Early signs of gum disease include red, swollen or tender gums and gums that bleed when brushing or flossing. Persistent bad breath and gums that begin to recede are also common. Because early gum disease is usually painless, regular dental checkups are the best way to catch it early.
Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can usually be reversed with professional cleanings and good home care. Periodontitis can’t be permanently cured, but it can be effectively treated and controlled. With active therapy and regular periodontal maintenance, most patients can stop the progression of bone loss and keep their natural teeth.
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces above and slightly below the gumline. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, reaches deeper into the infected pockets around the teeth to remove bacteria and tartar from the root surfaces. Smoothing the roots helps the gums heal and reattach to the teeth.
Periodontal treatment is very manageable for most patients. Deep cleanings are typically performed with local anesthetic so the gums are numb and comfortable throughout the procedure. Some mild tenderness afterward is normal and usually resolves within a few days.
After active periodontal treatment, most patients benefit from periodontal maintenance cleanings more frequently than standard twice-yearly visits. These cleanings are often recommended every three to four months. Our doctors determine the right schedule based on each patient’s gum health and response to treatment.
Yes. Advanced periodontal disease destroys the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place, which can cause teeth to loosen, shift and eventually fall out. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. For patients who have already lost teeth, Gilreath Family Dentistry offers dental implants to restore a complete smile.
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for periodontal treatments such as deep cleanings and periodontal maintenance. Gilreath Family Dentistry accepts most insurance plans and files claims for our patients. HSA, FSA and CareCredit financing are also available.