Your gums are the foundation of your smile, yet many people don’t recognize the early signs of disease. Gum disease affects nearly half of American adults, often progressing silently until it reaches advanced stages where tooth loss becomes a real concern.
At Enso Dental Arts, Dr. Maria Hiruma and her team understand the importance of recognizing gum disease early. With Dr. Chen’s periodontal specialist training and our team’s comprehensive approach to oral health, we help patients identify and treat gum disease at any stage to preserve their smiles and overall health.
Understanding the Three Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, progresses through three distinct stages. Each stage presents different symptoms and requires specific treatment approaches to prevent further damage.
Gingivitis: The Early Warning Stage
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and the only stage that is completely reversible. At this stage, bacteria in plaque buildup along the gumline cause inflammation and irritation.
Common signs of gingivitis include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Slight gum recession
The good news is gingivitis responds well to professional cleanings and improved home care. Dr. Hiruma and her team use advanced diagnostic tools like the iTero intraoral scanner to evaluate your gums and bite in detail, catching problems early when they’re easiest to treat.
Periodontitis: When Infection Takes Hold
If gingivitis goes untreated, it progresses to periodontitis. At this stage, the infection spreads below the gumline, forming pockets between your teeth and gums. These pockets trap bacteria and debris, making the condition harder to reverse.
Symptoms of periodontitis include persistent bad breath or taste, gums pulling away from teeth, loose or shifting teeth, pus between teeth and gums, and changes in bite alignment. Dr. Chen, our in-house periodontist, may recommend deep cleaning procedures, such as scaling and root planing, to remove bacteria and tartar from below the gumline. For patients who experience anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide sedation to ensure comfort during treatment.
Advanced Periodontitis: The Final Stage
Advanced periodontitis is the most severe form of gum disease. The infection destroys the tissues and bone supporting your teeth, often leading to tooth loss if left untreated.
Signs of advanced periodontitis include severe gum recession, deep pockets between teeth and gums, loose teeth that may fall out, painful chewing, and significant bone loss visible on dental imaging. At this stage, Dr. Chen may recommend advanced treatments like LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), the only FDA-approved laser periodontal disease treatment. This innovative approach uses the Periolase soft-tissue laser to remove diseased tissue while promoting healing and regeneration.
How We Detect Gum Disease Early
Early detection is key to successful gum disease treatment. During your comprehensive oral exam at Enso Dental Arts, we measure the depth of pockets around your teeth using a periodontal probe. Healthy gums have pocket depths of one to three millimeters, while deeper pockets indicate disease.
We also use digital imaging and our advanced diagnostic tools to assess bone levels and track changes over time. This comprehensive approach allows us to catch problems early and create personalized treatment plans for each patient.
Preventing Gum Disease Progression
Prevention remains the best approach to gum disease. Dr. Hiruma emphasizes patient education and believes in building long-term relationships focused on oral health maintenance.
Daily brushing with an electric toothbrush, routine flossing, and professional cleanings can prevent gingivitis from developing. We also recommend dietary changes and may suggest specific oral care products based on your individual needs.
Restore Your Gum Health at Enso Dental Arts
Gum disease doesn’t have to compromise your smile or overall health. At Enso Dental Arts, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care to help patients overcome periodontal disease at any stage.
Dr. Hiruma is a John Kois-trained dentist who attends continuing education courses twice yearly to stay current with the latest techniques. Dr. Chen brings advanced periodontal training to provide comprehensive gum disease treatment right in our office. Together, they’re committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health in a comfortable, inclusive environment. Contact us today at (516) 484-2676 or schedule your consultation online to learn more about protecting your gums and preserving your smile.
