Struggling with Gum Disease? Here’s How a Dentist Can Help!

Bleeding gums after brushing may not seem serious, but it could be an early warning sign of gum disease, a condition that affects nearly half of adults by age 30. Left untreated, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss and has been linked to serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. The good news is that with the proper dental treatment for gum disease, it can often be managed, and in its earliest stage, even reversed naturally with proper care.

Continue reading to get answers to the most common questions about gum disease and discover how the best dentist in Santa Monica can help restore and protect your oral health with periodontal treatment.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and supporting tissues around your teeth, and it develops when bacteria in your mouth form a sticky film called plaque. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar that irritates and inflames the gums. The earliest form of gum disease is a condition known as gingivitis, and the most advanced stage is known as periodontitis. 

While anyone can get gum disease, certain risk factors make it more likely, such as: 

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Family history of gum disease
• Some medications

The earliest warning signs often seem minor, such as gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, or persistent bad breath, but these symptoms can quickly progress if left untreated. 

Can Gum Disease Be Reversed?

If gum disease is caught early, it can actually be reversed naturally. With a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, along with consistent brushing, flossing, and good daily habits, your gums can heal and return to a healthy state. However, once gum disease advances to periodontitis, the damage to bone and supporting tissues can’t be completely undone. At that stage, treatment focuses on controlling the infection, strengthening the gums, and preventing further tooth loss. 

Gum Disease Treatment

There are several effective gum disease treatments to restore gum health and protect your teeth: 

• Scaling and root planing: The first line of treatment is often a deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, which removes hardened plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line while smoothing the roots to help the gums reattach. 
• Antibiotics and prescription mouthwash: To further fight infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or special antibacterial mouthwash that reduces harmful bacteria and supports healing.
• Laser dentistry and surgery: For more advanced cases, additional therapies may be needed, such as laser treatment to remove diseased tissue, gum surgery to restore lost support, or even bone grafting to rebuild areas damaged by periodontitis. 

What Happens If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?

If gum disease is left untreated, the infection can spread deeper into the gums, causing them to recede and pull away from the teeth, which often leads to loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. Beyond the mouth, there is a strong connection between gum disease and systemic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and even respiratory conditions. Additionally, ignoring gum disease often leads to more complex and expensive dental treatments down the road, such as oral surgery, tooth extraction, and replacement. 

Steps to Prevent Gum Disease

Preventing gum disease at home comes down to building consistent, simple habits that keep your mouth healthy every day: 

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily removes the sticky plaque that bacteria feed on, protecting both your teeth and gums. 
• If your dentist recommends it, adding an antimicrobial or fluoride mouth rinse can provide you with extra protection by reducing harmful bacteria and strengthening your enamel. 
• Attending your regular dental checkups and professional dental cleanings every six months allows your dentist to catch early signs of gum problems and remove tartar that you can’t get rid of at home. 

Where to Find the Best Dentist in Santa Monica for Periodontal Disease

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. At Santa Monica Dental Office, we take periodontal care seriously because we know it impacts more than just your teeth. At our modern dental clinic, Dr. Ellie Farahmand is deeply committed to patient comfort, long-term oral and physical health, and building real connections that make each visit feel personal and reassuring. Our team combines advanced treatments with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, ensuring you feel confident that your periodontal needs are managed with both precision and compassion. 

Ready to gain a trusted partner in protecting your smile with the best dentist in Santa Monica for gum disease treatment?