Healthy gums provide the foundation for a healthy smile. When gum disease develops, early diagnosis and personalized treatment can help control infection, protect supporting bone and reduce the risk of tooth loss.
At TLC Escondido Dental, Dr. Jorge Reyes and Dr. Catalina Madrigal provide periodontics in Escondido, California, to help patients manage gum disease and maintain healthier smiles. Our dentists will evaluate your gums, explain their findings and create a treatment plan based on the stage of the condition and your individual needs.
What Is Periodontics?
Periodontics is the area of dentistry focused on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the gums, periodontal ligaments and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal care may include preventive services, nonsurgical gum disease treatment and ongoing maintenance.
Our dentists check for signs of gum disease during routine dental cleanings and exams. If a concern is identified, we will discuss the condition with you and recommend an appropriate periodontal treatment plan.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is an inflammatory infection associated with bacteria in dental plaque. When plaque is not removed effectively, it can harden into tartar and irritate the tissues surrounding the teeth.
Without treatment, gum disease may progress and damage the gums, periodontal ligaments and supporting bone. This can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, changes in the bite and eventual tooth loss.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It may cause red, swollen or bleeding gums but has not yet resulted in permanent bone loss. When identified early, gingivitis can often be controlled with professional cleanings and improved oral hygiene.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis develops when inflammation spreads below the gumline and begins affecting the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. Treatment may be needed to remove bacteria and buildup from deeper periodontal pockets.
Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease may involve substantial bone loss, gum recession, tooth mobility or changes in the bite. More involved treatment and close long-term monitoring may be necessary to manage the condition and protect remaining teeth.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease may develop gradually, and some patients experience few noticeable symptoms. Signs worth discussing with our team include:
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Gum recession or teeth that appear longer
- Sensitivity near the gumline
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way the teeth fit together
- Discomfort while chewing
- Changes in the fit of partial dentures
Bleeding gums should not be considered normal. A periodontal evaluation can help determine whether the cause is gingivitis, periodontitis or another oral health concern.
Our Periodontal Treatments
Our periodontal services are designed to control infection, reduce inflammation and support the long-term stability of your teeth and gums.
- Causes & Signs of Gum Disease
- Deep Cleanings (Scaling & Root Planing)
- Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR)
- Gum Grafting
- Perio Protect®
How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed?
A periodontal evaluation may include:
- Reviewing your dental and medical history
- Examining the color, shape and condition of your gums
- Measuring the spaces between your teeth and gums
- Checking for bleeding, recession and tooth mobility
- Evaluating plaque and tartar buildup
- Reviewing digital X-rays for signs of bone loss
- Assessing your bite and existing dental restorations
Our office may use digital X-rays, intraoral cameras and CBCT 3D imaging when clinically appropriate to obtain a clearer view of the supporting structures around your teeth.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Plaque buildup is the primary factor associated with periodontal disease, but several conditions and habits may increase your risk, including:
- Inconsistent brushing and flossing
- Tobacco use
- Diabetes or difficulty managing blood sugar
- Dry mouth
- Certain medications
- Hormonal changes
- Genetic susceptibility
- Crooked teeth or areas that are difficult to clean
- Damaged or poorly fitting restorations
- Stress and other factors that may affect immune response
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop gum disease, but it may make regular monitoring and preventive care especially important.
Nonsurgical Gum Disease Treatment
Early and moderate periodontal disease may often be managed with nonsurgical care. Recommendations depend on the depth of the periodontal pockets, the amount of buildup present and whether supporting bone has been affected.
Treatment may include:
- Professional dental cleaning
- Scaling and root planing
- Periodontal maintenance
- Personalized oral hygiene instruction
- More frequent monitoring
- Additional therapies when clinically appropriate
Our dentists will explain which services are recommended and why they are appropriate for your condition.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning, is a nonsurgical treatment used to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Scaling removes bacterial buildup, while root planing smooths contaminated root surfaces so the gums can begin healing against the teeth.
Depending on the extent of treatment, the procedure may be completed in sections of the mouth and local anesthetic may be used to improve comfort.
Periodontal Maintenance After Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontitis is generally managed rather than permanently cured. After active treatment, periodontal maintenance appointments help control bacterial buildup and monitor the condition over time.
These visits may include:
- Cleaning above and below the gumline
- Measuring periodontal pockets
- Checking for bleeding and inflammation
- Monitoring gum recession and tooth mobility
- Evaluating your home-care routine
- Reviewing areas that need additional treatment
Periodontal maintenance is different from a routine cleaning because it is designed for patients with a history of periodontitis. The recommended schedule depends on your response to treatment and ongoing risk factors.
Gum Disease and Overall Health
Oral health and overall health are closely connected. Research has found associations between periodontal disease and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain respiratory concerns. These relationships are complex, and gum disease does not necessarily cause these conditions.
Patients with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing gum disease, particularly when blood sugar is not well controlled. Periodontal inflammation may also make diabetes management more challenging for some patients.
Pregnancy-related hormonal changes may increase gum sensitivity and inflammation. Patients who are pregnant should continue receiving appropriate preventive dental care and tell our team about their pregnancy and any recommendations from their medical provider.
Managing gum disease should be viewed as one part of maintaining overall health, alongside regular medical care, healthy daily habits and management of existing conditions.
Advanced Technology for Periodontal Care
Our office uses advanced technology to support diagnosis, treatment planning and patient education, including:
- Digital X-rays
- CBCT 3D imaging when clinically appropriate
- Intraoral cameras
- AI-assisted dental X-ray analysis
- AMD dental laser
- Dental operating microscope
These tools help our team evaluate supporting bone, identify areas of concern and explain your oral health clearly.
How to Protect Your Gums at Home
Consistent home care is essential for preventing and managing periodontal disease. To help protect your gums:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss or use another recommended interdental cleaner every day
- Clean carefully along the gumline
- Use an antimicrobial rinse if recommended
- Avoid tobacco products
- Manage diabetes and other medical conditions with your physician
- Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water
- Attend all recommended maintenance appointments
- Contact our office if you notice bleeding, swelling or loose teeth
Our dentists and hygiene team can recommend tools and techniques based on the condition of your gums and the spaces between your teeth.
Periodontics FAQs
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is early gum inflammation without permanent bone loss. Periodontitis is a more advanced condition that affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis can often be reversed with professional care and improved oral hygiene. Periodontitis generally cannot be reversed, but treatment can help control the infection and reduce further damage.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss?
Bleeding may be caused by gum inflammation, plaque buildup, improper technique or another condition. Persistent bleeding should be evaluated by our dentists.
Is gum disease painful?
Gum disease may progress without significant pain, especially in its early stages. This is why routine periodontal evaluations are important even when your mouth feels normal.
What is a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to support gum healing.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
Local anesthetic may be used to help keep you comfortable. Mild tenderness or sensitivity can occur afterward, but our team will provide aftercare instructions.
How often will I need periodontal maintenance?
The recommended schedule depends on the severity of your gum disease, your response to treatment and your ongoing risk factors. Many patients need more frequent visits than those receiving routine preventive cleanings.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Advanced periodontal disease can destroy the tissues and bone supporting the teeth, which may cause teeth to loosen or require removal.
Does gum disease cause heart disease or diabetes?
Research has identified associations between periodontal disease and several systemic conditions, but this does not prove that gum disease directly causes them. Maintaining healthy gums remains an important part of overall wellness.
Does dental insurance cover periodontal treatment?
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for periodontal services, but benefits vary. Our team can help you review your plan and estimate your expected costs.
Are financial options available for gum disease treatment?
Financial options may be available to help make treatment more manageable. Visit our financial options page and membership plan page to learn more.
Schedule a Periodontal Evaluation in Escondido, California
If you have bleeding gums, gum recession, persistent bad breath or another periodontal concern, an evaluation can help determine the cause and the appropriate next step. Our dentists will explain your condition and develop a personalized plan to protect your gums and supporting bone.
Contact TLC Escondido Dental or call 760-741-5775 today to schedule an appointment for periodontics in Escondido, California.