Understanding gingivitis and periodontitis
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the structures that support your teeth — the gums, periodontal ligament, and jawbone. It begins as gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue) and, if left untreated, progresses to periodontitis (destruction of the bone and connective tissue anchoring the teeth).
The concerning reality is that most periodontal disease develops silently. Patients often do not notice bleeding gums, subtle recession, or mild bad breath until the disease has been progressing for years. By the time teeth feel loose, significant bone loss has already occurred. This is why periodontal assessment is included at every cleaning appointment at Korcek Dental.
The systemic connection: Periodontal disease has been strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The same bacteria responsible for gum infections can enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammatory responses. Treating gum disease is not just about your mouth.
47%
of US Adults Over 30 Have Periodontitis
70%
of Adults Over 65 Are Affected
#1
Leading Cause of Adult Tooth Loss
5x
Higher Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Severe Periodontitis
From gingivitis to advanced periodontitis
Healthy Gums
Pink, firm, no bleeding. Pocket depths of 1–3mm. Maintained with regular cleanings and good home care.
Gingivitis
Red, swollen, bleeding gums. No bone loss yet. Fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.
Early Periodontitis
3–4mm pockets. Early bone loss beginning. Requires scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to halt progression.
Advanced Periodontitis
5mm+ pockets, significant bone loss, tooth mobility. Requires more aggressive periodontal therapy. Some tooth loss may be inevitable.
Scaling & root planing and periodontal maintenance
Scaling and root planing — also called a deep cleaning — is the primary non-surgical treatment for early to moderate periodontitis. Unlike a routine cleaning that addresses the crown of the tooth and shallow areas around the gumline, scaling and root planing reaches below the gumline to remove tartar and bacteria from root surfaces and infected pockets.
The procedure is typically performed in two appointments, treating one side of the mouth at a time under local anesthesia. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and notice significant improvement in gum health within weeks.
After deep cleaning
Gum tissue reattaches to cleaner root surfaces, pockets shrink, and bleeding on probing decreases significantly.
Periodontal maintenance
After active treatment, periodontal patients are placed on a 3–4 month maintenance schedule rather than the standard 6-month recall.
At-home care
More frequent professional cleanings must be supported by thorough daily brushing and flossing. An electric toothbrush is strongly recommended.
Korcek Dental
Bleeding gums are not normal.
If your gums bleed when you brush, that is your body signaling inflammation. Schedule an evaluation.