Periodontal Treatment & Gum Disease Care

Gum swelling happens when the gum tissue becomes irritated or inflamed. This inflammation is often caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up along the teeth and gumline. 

If plaque is not removed through brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings, it can harden into tartar and trigger gum inflammation.

Common causes of swollen gums include:

• Plaque and tartar buildup
• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Gum infection or abscess
• Poor oral hygiene
• Food trapped between teeth
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Hormonal changes
• Dry mouth
• Certain medications
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Poorly fitting dentures, retainers, or dental appliances
• Dental restorations that trap plaque
• Tooth decay or infection near the gumline

Preventing swollen gums starts with controlling plaque and supporting healthy gum tissue.

To reduce your risk:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Floss daily
• Clean along the gumline gently
• Schedule routine dental cleanings
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit sugary foods and drinks
• Eat a balanced diet
• Replace old toothbrushes regularly
• Follow your dentist’s recommendations for gum maintenance

Professional cleanings are especially important because tartar cannot be removed with brushing and flossing alone. 

Bad breath happens to everyone once in a while, especially after coffee, strong foods, or a long day. But when it keeps coming back, it may be more than a quick fix problem. 

Persistent bad breath can be caused by:

• Plaque and tartar buildup
• Bacteria on the tongue and along the gumline
• Gingivitis and periodontitis
• Deep gum pockets
• Food stuck between teeth
• Dry mouth
• Poor brushing and flossing habits
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Tooth decay near the gumline
• Dental infection or abscess
• Poorly fitting dentures, retainers, or dental appliances

Ongoing bad breath may seem like a small problem, but it can point to a deeper oral health issue. When plaque and tartar stay along the gumline, they can irritate the gums and lead to infection. Over time, gum disease may cause gum recession, deep pockets, bone loss, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Finding the cause early can help protect your smile and make fresh breath easier to maintain.

Receding Gums 

Receding gums occur when the gum tissue moves down or pulls back from the teeth. This creates exposed tooth surfaces and may reveal the roots of the teeth. Unlike the crowns of your teeth, tooth roots are not covered with protective enamel. This makes them more sensitive and more prone to decay.

Receding gums can be subtle in the beginning. Many patients do not notice it until sensitivity or visible changes appear.

You may have receding gums if you notice:

• Teeth that look longer than before
• Exposed tooth roots
• Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Gumline notches or rough areas near the roots
• Gum tenderness
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Swollen or red gums
• Bad breath that does not improve
• Gum recession around one or more teeth
• Loose teeth
• Changes in your bite
• Food getting stuck near the gumline
• Pain or discomfort near the roots of teeth

Even if your recession is not painful, it should be evaluated. Gum recession may continue without obvious symptoms.

What Causes Receding Gums?

Receding gums can develop from one factor or a combination of several. Understanding the cause helps determine the best treatment.

• Gum Disease
• Aggressive Brushing
• Poor Oral Hygiene
• Teeth Grinding or Clenching
• Genetics
• Tobacco Use
• Misaligned Teeth or Bite Pressure
• Hormonal Changes
• Oral Piercings

Why Receding Gums Should Not Be Ignored

Receding gums can lead to more than cosmetic concerns. Once the roots are exposed, the teeth can become more sensitive and more vulnerable to decay. Gum recession can also be a sign that the supporting tissues around the teeth are weakening.

Untreated gum recession may lead to:

• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Root surface cavities
• Gum disease progression
• Tooth mobility
• Bone loss
• Tooth infection
• Changes in the bite
• Loose teeth
• Tooth loss
• More complex treatment later

Getting care early can help slow or stop the progression and protect your natural teeth.

How to Prevent Gum Recession

Not every case of gum recession can be prevented, but good daily habits can lower your risk and help protect your gums.

To help prevent recession:

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use gentle pressure when brushing
• Floss every day
• Keep regular dental cleanings and checkups
• Treat gum disease early
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products
• Wear a night guard if you grind or clench
• Do not ignore bleeding or swollen gums
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Replace your toothbrush regularly
• Ask your dentist about bite problems or tooth alignment

Cascade Dental’s periodontal treatment page recommends maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups to help prevent gum disease. 

What Happens If Gum Recession Gets Worse?

When gum recession progresses, the tooth roots become more exposed. This can make teeth more sensitive and vulnerable to cavities near the gumline. If the recession is related to gum disease, the supporting bone may also be affected.

Advanced gum recession may lead to:

• Root decay
• Severe sensitivity
• Gumline cavities
• Loose teeth
• Bone loss
• Changes in bite
• Tooth loss
• Need for surgical gum treatment
• Need for restorative or replacement dentistry

Early care can help reduce these risks.

At Cascade Dental, we’ve developed a comprehensive 4-step process to treat gum disease effectively and restore your gum health. Here’s what you can expect during your treatment:

Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation

Your treatment begins with a thorough examination of your gums and teeth. We’ll measure the depth of any pockets around your teeth (the spaces between your gums and teeth) using a specialized probe. This allows us to assess the severity of the gum disease and determine the best course of action. We’ll also take digital X-rays to examine the bone structure around your teeth.

Step 2: Professional Cleaning

If you have gingivitis or early periodontitis, a professional cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be all that’s needed to remove plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gumline. This cleaning procedure smooths the tooth roots to help your gums reattach to the teeth and reduces the risk of further infection.

Step 3: Advanced Periodontal Treatments (If Needed)

For more advanced gum disease, additional treatments may be necessary. These include:

• Laser Therapy: We use advanced laser technology to remove infected tissue and promote healing.
• Scaling and Root Planing: In more severe cases, a deeper cleaning technique may be required to clean the tooth roots and remove bacteria from the periodontal pockets.

Step 4: Maintenance and Follow-Up Care

After your treatment, we’ll schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and maintain your gum health. We’ll provide personalized recommendations for home care, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, to ensure your gums stay healthy.