Gum disease affects nearly half of American adults over 30, making it one of the most common oral health problems facing Chattanooga residents today. The good news? When caught early, gum disease is treatable and even reversible. Understanding how to spot the warning signs and take action can save your teeth and protect your overall health.
Understanding Gum Disease: What Chattanooga Residents Need to Know
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, happens when bacteria in plaque build up along and under your gum line. This bacterial infection causes inflammation that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults 30 years or older had some level of periodontitis between 2009 and 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The condition starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When you don't remove plaque through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus). You can't remove tartar with a toothbrush. Professional treatment becomes necessary at this point.
The Two Stages: Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gum disease progresses through two main stages. Gingivitis is the mildest type of gum disease, with signs including red, swollen, or easily bleeding gums. At this early stage, the damage is still reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning.
If gingivitis goes untreated, it advances to periodontitis. This more serious stage involves bone loss around your teeth. Periodontitis cannot be reversed, but it can be slowed down and managed with professional treatment. The bacteria spread below the gum line, creating deep pockets between your teeth and gums where more bacteria thrive.
"Many patients don't realize they have gum disease until it's already advanced," says Dr. David Peterson, DDS at Peterson Family Dentistry in Chattanooga. "That's why we focus so much on early detection during routine checkups. Catching gingivitis before it becomes periodontitis makes treatment simpler and more effective."
Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Early Symptoms of Gum Disease
Your gums are trying to tell you something when they bleed during brushing or flossing. This bleeding doesn't happen because you're brushing too hard. It's a sign that bacteria are causing inflammation along your gum line.
Other warning signs include red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gums that have pulled away from your teeth, loose teeth, painful chewing, or changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite. Some people also notice that their partial dentures don't fit as well as they used to.
Here's the tricky part: gum disease can become serious before you notice obvious symptoms. The condition doesn't always cause pain in its early stages. You might not realize anything is wrong until significant damage has occurred.
When to See Your Chattanooga Dentist
Don't wait for pain to schedule a dental visit. Having a dental check-up at least yearly allows for early detection of gum disease, as well as treatment. If you notice any warning signs like bleeding gums, schedule an appointment right away.
About 60% of adults 65 years or older had periodontitis between 2009 and 2014, showing that risk increases with age. Regular dental visits become even more important as you get older. Your Chattanooga dentist can measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth to check for signs of disease before you notice any symptoms.
Prevention Strategies That Work
Daily Oral Hygiene Habits
The foundation of gum disease prevention is simple: brush twice daily and floss once a day. These basic habits remove plaque before it hardens into tartar. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Spend at least two minutes brushing, making sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line.
Flossing is not optional. Your toothbrush can't reach between your teeth where bacteria love to hide. Daily flossing removes plaque from these tight spaces and helps prevent the formation of periodontal pockets.
The Role of Professional Cleanings
Even with excellent home care, you need professional cleanings. Your dentist or hygienist can remove tartar that has formed despite your best efforts. They can also spot early signs of gum disease that you might miss.
Most people should have their teeth professionally cleaned every six months. However, if you have risk factors for gum disease or a history of periodontal problems, your Chattanooga dentist might recommend more frequent visits.
Lifestyle Factors That Matter
About 62% of U.S. adults 30 years or older who are current smokers had periodontitis between 2009 and 2014. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease. The chemicals in tobacco interfere with your gum tissue's normal function, making it easier for infections to take hold and harder for your gums to heal.
Other factors that increase your risk include diabetes, hormonal changes in women, certain medications that reduce saliva flow, genetics, and stress. A diet low in important nutrients can compromise your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight gum infections.
Early Treatment Options Available in Chattanooga
Regular Professional Cleanings
For gingivitis, a thorough professional cleaning combined with improved home care often reverses the condition. Your hygienist removes all plaque and tartar from your teeth, especially along the gum line. This gives your gums a chance to heal and reattach to your teeth.
After the cleaning, you'll need to step up your home care routine. Your dentist will show you the best techniques for brushing and flossing. Following through with these recommendations is what actually reverses gingivitis.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
When gum disease has progressed beyond gingivitis, you'll need a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing. This procedure goes below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar from the roots of your teeth.
During scaling, your dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to clean the tooth surfaces and roots below the gum line. After scaling, root planing smooths out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth. The smooth surface makes it harder for bacteria to stick and multiply.
According to the American Dental Association, this treatment is beneficial for patients with chronic periodontitis. The procedure may require local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Depending on how much work needs to be done, your Chattanooga dentist might complete the treatment in one visit or spread it across several appointments.
What to Expect During Treatment
You might experience some discomfort after scaling and root planing. Your gums may feel tender and bleed slightly when you brush. Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold is common for a few days. These side effects are temporary and mean your gums are healing.
Your dentist might prescribe a special mouth rinse or pain medication. They may also place medication directly into the cleaned pockets to help fight infection and promote healing. Follow all aftercare instructions carefully to get the best results.
Long-Term Management and Maintenance
Periodontal Maintenance Programs
After treatment for gum disease, you'll need ongoing care to keep the condition under control. This typically means more frequent professional cleanings than the standard twice-yearly schedule. Most people with a history of periodontitis need cleanings every three to four months.
These maintenance visits are not the same as regular cleanings. Your hygienist will carefully measure pocket depths, remove any new tartar buildup, and check for signs that the disease is becoming active again. Think of it as monitoring rather than just cleaning.
Home Care Best Practices
Your home care routine becomes even more important after gum disease treatment. Brush twice daily using the techniques your dentist showed you. Floss every day without exception. Consider using an antimicrobial mouth rinse if your dentist recommends one.
Pay attention to your gums. If you notice bleeding, swelling, or other warning signs between dental visits, call your Chattanooga dentist right away. Quick action can prevent a small problem from becoming a bigger one.
Regular Monitoring
Stay committed to your maintenance schedule. Missing appointments puts you at risk for the disease returning. Research published by Cleveland Clinic shows that with consistent care, most patients can manage gum disease successfully.
Your dentist will adjust your treatment plan based on how your gums respond. Some people eventually can return to less frequent cleanings. Others need to stick with the three-month schedule long-term. Either way, regular monitoring gives you the best chance of keeping your natural teeth for life.
Take Action to Protect Your Gums in Chattanooga
Gum disease is common, but it doesn't have to be inevitable. Daily brushing and flossing, combined with regular dental visits, provide strong protection against this condition. When problems do develop, early treatment is simpler and more effective than waiting until symptoms become severe.
At Peterson Family Dentistry, we serve patients throughout the Chattanooga, Ooltewah, and Collegedale areas with comprehensive gum disease prevention and treatment. Our team uses the latest techniques to detect problems early and provide comfortable, effective care. We work with you to create a personalized prevention plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Don't ignore bleeding gums or other warning signs. The sooner you address gum disease, the better your outcome will be. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, periodontal disease continues to be an important public health problem, but it's one you can actively fight with the right care and support.
Schedule your checkup today to protect your smile and your overall health. Peterson Family Dentistry makes getting quality dental care convenient with two locations in the greater Chattanooga area and appointment times that work with your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Common signs include bleeding gums when you brush or floss, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gums pulling away from teeth, loose teeth, or pain when chewing. However, gum disease can develop without obvious symptoms. Regular dental checkups are the best way to catch problems early. Your dentist will measure pocket depths around your teeth and look for signs of inflammation or bone loss.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can be completely reversed with professional cleaning and improved home care. Periodontitis, the more advanced stage, cannot be cured but can be managed and controlled. With proper treatment and ongoing maintenance, you can stop the disease from progressing and keep your natural teeth. The key is catching it early and staying committed to your treatment plan.
How much does gum disease treatment cost in Chattanooga?
Treatment costs vary based on the severity of your condition. A regular cleaning typically costs less than $200, while scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) usually ranges from $500 to $4,000 depending on how many areas need treatment. Many dental insurance plans cover at least part of periodontal treatment. Peterson Family Dentistry accepts most PPO insurance plans and offers financing options to make care affordable.
How long does it take to treat gum disease?
Treatment time depends on how advanced your gum disease is. Gingivitis often improves within a few weeks of professional cleaning and better home care. Scaling and root planing may require one to four appointments, each lasting 45 minutes to an hour. Your gums typically need several weeks to heal after deep cleaning. Long-term management continues for life through regular maintenance cleanings.
What happens if I don't treat my gum disease?
Untreated gum disease progressively destroys the bone and tissue supporting your teeth. This leads to loose teeth and eventually tooth loss. Research from the World Health Organization shows that severe periodontal disease affects more than 1 billion people worldwide. Beyond oral health, gum disease has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory problems. Early treatment protects both your smile and your overall health.
Is gum disease contagious?
The bacteria that cause gum disease can be passed through saliva, but having these bacteria doesn't automatically mean you'll develop gum disease. Your risk depends on factors like oral hygiene, genetics, smoking, and overall health. You don't need to avoid kissing someone with gum disease, but both partners should maintain good oral hygiene and get regular dental checkups.
Can I prevent gum disease if it runs in my family?
Yes, although genetics play a role in gum disease risk, you can take steps to protect yourself. Brush twice daily, floss every day, and keep up with professional cleanings. If gum disease runs in your family, tell your Chattanooga dentist. They may recommend more frequent checkups and cleanings to catch any problems early. Avoiding smoking and managing conditions like diabetes also reduce your risk.
Does dental insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive cleanings twice a year at 100%. Coverage for scaling and root planing typically ranges from 50% to 80%, depending on your plan. Some plans have annual maximums or require that treatment be deemed medically necessary. Contact your insurance provider for specific coverage details, or ask our team at Peterson Family Dentistry to help you understand your benefits.
