Protect your teeth and overall health with comprehensive gum disease care. Early intervention can save your smile.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It's typically caused by poor oral hygiene that allows plaque and tartar to build up and harden on teeth, leading to inflammation and infection.
What starts as gingivitis—the earliest stage with swollen, bleeding gums—can progress to periodontitis, where gums pull away from teeth, bone is lost, and teeth may become loose or even fall out.
The good news? Gum disease is preventable and treatable, especially when caught early. Dr. Cannady provides comprehensive periodontal care to restore your gum health and protect your smile.
Don't ignore these common signs—early detection makes treatment easier and more effective.
Gums that bleed when you brush, floss, or eat are a telltale sign of inflammation and infection.
Healthy gums are firm and pink. Puffy, red, or tender gums indicate gingivitis or periodontitis.
Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be caused by bacteria from gum disease.
Gums that pull back from teeth, making teeth look longer, can expose tooth roots and cause sensitivity.
Advanced gum disease can destroy the bone supporting teeth, causing them to shift or become loose.
Gum disease can alter how your teeth fit together when you bite down or change how partial dentures fit.
For early-stage gingivitis, a thorough professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar can reverse the condition when combined with good home care.
A deep-cleaning procedure that removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths tooth roots to help gums reattach to teeth.
Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infection and reduce pocket depth in combination with scaling and root planing.
Regular periodontal maintenance cleanings (typically every 3-4 months) to keep gum disease under control and prevent recurrence.
Gum disease isn't just about your mouth—it's been linked to serious health conditions throughout your body.
Research suggests gum disease increases the risk of heart disease and can worsen existing heart conditions.
Gum disease and diabetes have a two-way relationship—each condition can make the other worse.
Bacteria from infected gums can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
Everything you need to know about gum disease treatment and prevention.
