Arcadia Dental Arts • Phoenix, AZ
Gum Disease Treatment
Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, tenderness, or gum recession can be early signs of gum disease. We help you stabilize the infection, protect bone support, and keep your smile healthy—comfortably.
Sources: CDC (periodontitis prevalence) · NIH/MedlinePlus (gum disease overview)
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) ranges from mild inflammation (gingivitis) to more advanced infection (periodontitis) that can damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Gingivitis commonly presents with redness and bleeding, and it can often be reversed with consistent home care and professional cleanings. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the gums can pull away and infection can affect deeper support structures.
Why It Matters
Gum infections don’t just affect your smile—advanced disease can compromise tooth support and lead to progressive bone loss. Research also notes gum disease may interact with chronic conditions; for example, untreated periodontitis can make diabetes harder to control and vice versa. Your treatment plan is designed to protect long-term oral stability and comfort.
How We Treat Gum Disease
Treatment depends on severity. We focus on gentle, effective infection control—and a maintenance plan that keeps results stable.
Comprehensive Periodontal Exam
We evaluate gum pocket depths, bleeding/inflammation, gum recession, and supporting bone levels (as needed with imaging). This guides a precise, personalized plan.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
For active gum infection, a deep cleaning removes plaque and hardened buildup below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to help gums reattach and heal.
Targeted Adjuncts
When appropriate, we may recommend localized antimicrobials, supportive home-care strategies, and periodontal maintenance visits to reduce reinfection risk.
Long-Term Maintenance
Gum health is managed over time. We’ll set a recall schedule based on your risk factors, history, and response to treatment. Consistency is key to keeping inflammation down.
How to Help Prevent Gum Disease
Great results come from a strong partnership between your home routine and professional care. If you’ve had gum disease before, maintenance visits are especially important.
- Brush twice daily for 2 minutes (soft bristles, gentle along the gumline).
- Floss daily (or use interdental brushes/water flosser if recommended).
- Keep cleanings on schedule—your needs may be more frequent than every 6 months.
- Quit smoking—it’s a major risk factor for periodontitis.
- Manage health factors (like diabetes) in coordination with your physician.
Gum Disease FAQs
Click a question to expand.
Is gingivitis reversible?
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and is often reversible with consistent brushing/flossing and regular professional cleanings. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis.
What are early warning signs of gum disease?
Common early signs include bleeding with brushing/flossing, gum tenderness, redness or swelling, and persistent bad breath. If you notice changes that last more than a week or two, schedule an evaluation.
What happens if gum disease is left untreated?
Untreated disease can progress, leading to deeper pockets, infection, gum recession, and bone loss that can compromise tooth support. Earlier treatment generally means a simpler path to stability.
Does gum disease affect overall health?
Gum disease has been linked with certain health conditions. For example, untreated periodontitis can make diabetes harder to control. Your dental and medical teams can work together when relevant.
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?
If we find gum pockets, bleeding, and buildup below the gumline, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be recommended. We’ll review measurements and explain your options clearly.
Clinical References
- CDC: Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) overview
- CDC MMWR: Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults (U.S.)
- NIH/MedlinePlus: Gum Disease summary
This page is informational and not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Individual treatment recommendations depend on exam findings.