Many of us have been there—we go to flash that selfie-ready smile, only to find out it isn’t really selfie-ready. And why is that? As you pull your smartphone camera closer to your mouth, you see that your gums are bright red. They look puffy. And come to think of it, you’ve noticed blood in the sink the last few times you have brushed your teeth. What is going on?

If you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums, it’s highly likely that you have developed gum disease. And the good news? If you catch it early enough, periodontal therapy can help reduce those not-so-fun effects. Ready to learn more? Let’s do it.

Signs You Might Need Periodontal Therapy

Before we get into those signs and symptoms that indicate you might need periodontal therapy, let’s get on the same page about gum disease, periodontitis, and periodontal disease. Do these terms all mean the same thing, or are they different? The answer is yes and no.

Gum disease is a general term that refers to inflammation and infection in the gums. It starts with gingivitis, the earliest stage, which causes redness, swelling, and bleeding when you brush or floss. If left untreated, gum disease can progress into periodontitis, a more advanced condition where the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that trap bacteria. Over time, this can lead to periodontal disease, a broad term that includes severe gum infections, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

The good news? Catching gum disease early can help prevent more serious complications. If you’re wondering whether periodontal therapy might be right for you, here are some signs to watch for.

• Persistent Bad Breath: If you’re noticing an ongoing, unpleasant odor, even after brushing and using mouthwash, bacteria under the gumline could be the culprit.
• Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums: Healthy gums should look firm and pink—not puffy or irritated. If yours are inflamed or bleed when you brush, it could indicate gum disease.
• Gum Recession: When gums pull back from the teeth, they expose sensitive areas and create spaces where bacteria can build up.
• Loose or Shifting Teeth: If your teeth feel wiggly or aren’t lining up the way they used to, it could mean the supporting structures beneath the gumline are weakening.
• Pain When Chewing: Discomfort while eating, particularly if your gums are tender, could be a sign of gum issues.
• Changes in How Your Teeth Fit Together: If your bite feels different or your teeth seem to be moving, it might be due to changes in your gums and jawbone.

If any of these signs sound familiar, periodontal therapy can help get your gums back on track. In the next section, we’ll explain what this treatment involves and how it can help protect your smile.

Steps Involved in Periodontal Therapy

If having red or bleeding gums isn’t bad enough, the last thing you want is persistent breath that doesn’t go away. And missing teeth? Certainly, that will not give you the selfie smile you truly want. Thankfully, periodontal therapy can save the day.

Here’s what’s involved in the process.

• Evaluation and Diagnosis: Your dentist in Bedford will examine your gums, check for signs of inflammation, and take X-rays to see if there’s any bone loss beneath the surface.
• Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning process removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, helping to reduce bacteria and irritation.
• Gum Therapy Treatments: Depending on the severity of the condition, additional treatments, such as antibiotic therapy or laser therapy, may be recommended to help address infection.
• Follow-Up Care and Maintenance: Regular cleanings and checkups help keep gum disease from returning and allow your dentist to monitor your progress.
• At-Home Care Recommendations: Your dentist may suggest changes to your brushing and flossing routine or recommend special products to support gum health.

Additional Treatments (if needed)

In some cases, your periodontitis might be more serious than you expected. In this case, we might suggest additional treatments to help your mouth look and feel better and to help improve your overall oral health.

Here are a couple of things we might recommend.

• Antibiotic Therapy: In some cases, medicated mouth rinses or antibiotic gels may be used to help target bacteria that brushing and flossing can’t reach.
• Gum Surgery: For more advanced cases, procedures like flap surgery can help clean deep pockets around the teeth, while grafting can restore gum tissue lost due to recession.
• Nutrient-Rich Foods for Gum Health: Eating foods like probiotic-rich yogurt, fatty fish, cheese, chicken, and bell peppers can help support a healthier mouth by reducing inflammation and strengthening gum tissue.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Gums after Periodontal Therapy

Though periodontal therapy is relatively routine and painless, the chances are that you want those results to last as long as possible. And thankfully, there are some things you can do to maintain healthy gums after treatment.

And though we have mentioned some of these tips earlier, it’s important to emphasize that these small tasks can pay off in a big way when it comes to the health of your gums.

• Floss with care. Flossing daily helps keep bacteria and food particles from building up between your teeth, reducing the risk of future gum problems.
• Brush gently but thoroughly. Use small circular motions with a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean along the gumline without causing irritation.
• Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash. Adding an antibacterial rinse to your routine can help keep harmful bacteria in check and support gum health.
• Stay consistent with dental checkups. Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor your gum health and address any concerns before they become bigger issues.
• Pay attention to any changes. If you notice increased sensitivity, bleeding, or gum recession, bring it up at your next appointment so your dentist can assess the situation.

Contact Davis Family Dental Care to discuss your periodontal therapy needs.

If you have inflamed gums, bad breath that just won’t go away, or you have noticed your gums bleeding when you brush or floss, it’s time to get care from your Bedford dental office. Request an appointment with Davis Family Dental Care today.