Healthy gums are the foundation of a strong, lasting smile. Gum disease often begins quietly, damaging the tissues that support your teeth long before symptoms appear. At Elevate Dental, we focus on early detection and personalized treatment to stop progression, protect your health, and restore gum stability. Gum disease damages the tissues that support your teeth and often starts silently—early care protects your smile and your overall health.
Why it Matters?
Silent but Serious
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that affects the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. It begins when plaque— a sticky film of bacteria—hardens into tartar, which irritates and inflames the gum tissue. As the infection advances, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive. Without treatment, this inflammation can lead to significant bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Because the early stages are often painless, four out of five people are unaware they have periodontal disease until it becomes more serious.
Beyond its impact on oral health, periodontal disease has been linked to several systemic conditions. Research shows connections between gum inflammation and an increased risk for stroke, pneumonia, diabetes complications, heart disease, and certain pregnancy risks, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The mouth plays a key role in overall health, and managing gum disease is essential for protecting both.
Certain lifestyle factors can also contribute to the development and progression of periodontal disease. Smoking, in particular, significantly raises the risk by impairing the body’s ability to heal and fight infection. Regular dental cleanings, good home care, and early detection provide the strongest defense against periodontal disease and help preserve a healthy foundation for your smile.
Why it matters?
Slient but Serious
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that affects the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. It begins when plaque— a sticky film of bacteria—hardens into tartar, which irritates and inflames the gum tissue. As the infection advances, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive. Without treatment, this inflammation can lead to significant bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Because the early stages are often painless, four out of five people are unaware they have periodontal disease until it becomes more serious.
Beyond its impact on oral health, periodontal disease has been linked to several systemic conditions. Research shows connections between gum inflammation and an increased risk for stroke, pneumonia, diabetes complications, heart disease, and certain pregnancy risks, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The mouth plays a key role in overall health, and managing gum disease is essential for protecting both.
Certain lifestyle factors can also contribute to the development and progression of periodontal disease. Smoking, in particular, significantly raises the risk by impairing the body’s ability to heal and fight infection. Regular dental cleanings, good home care, and early detection provide the strongest defense against periodontal disease and help preserve a healthy foundation for your smile.
what is happening?
plaque to tartar
Sticky plaque made of food debris, bacteria, and saliva hardens into calculus if not removed.
Gum disease
Plaque and tartar irritate the soft tissues, causing redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding.
Bone damage
Infection begins to affect the supporting bone around the teeth, weakening the foundation of the teeth.
Recognizing & preventing periodontal disease
- Bleeding or Puffy Gums -Early signs of inflammation that shouldn’t be ignored.
- Loose or Shifting Teeth - Caused by bone or tissue loss around the roots.
- Receding Gums & Tenderness - Gums pulling away from teeth, leading to sensitivity.
- Bad Breath or Pus - Indicators of active bacterial infection.
How we help
01
Evaluate & Diagnose
Gentle gum measurements and X-rays to assess bone health and detect early signs of disease.
02
deep clean & remove buildup
Professional cleaning targets plaque and tartar above and below the gumline.
03
treat & protect
Early intervention helps reduce inflammation and restore gum stability.
04
personal plan
You leave with a tooth that looks, feels, and functions like your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is periodontal disease and how does it start?
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. It begins when plaque hardens into tartar, causing irritation and inflammation of the gum tissue. Over time, this inflammation can progress beneath the gumline, damaging both the gums and underlying bone.
What are the early signs of periodontal disease?
Early symptoms are often subtle, which is why the disease can go unnoticed. Common signs include red, swollen, or tender gums; bleeding when brushing or flossing; persistent bad breath; and gum recession. Regular dental checkups allow for early detection before the condition becomes more advanced.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Early stages may be managed with improved home care and professional cleanings, while more advanced cases often require scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), localized antibiotics, or surgical therapies to restore gum and bone health. Your dentist will create a tailored plan based on your needs.
Can periodontal disease affect my overall health?
Yes. Research shows a strong connection between periodontal disease and several systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. Managing gum health is an important part of maintaining overall wellness.
Care that feels as good as it looks
From your first consult to your final smile, our focus is on comfort, clarity, and calm. Every detail of your visit is designed to help you feel cared for, understood, and elevated. At our practice, we believe that the right tools make all the difference in delivering exceptional dental care. By using the latest technology, we’re able to make the treatment process smoother and more efficient, ensuring that your experience is as comfortable as possible.
