Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, yet many people underestimate how common and preventable it is. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that roughly half of adults over 30 show signs of periodontal disease. At Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry in Newark, OH, we focus on early detection, practical prevention, and effective treatment so patients can keep healthy, functional smiles for years to come.
Periodontal disease — often called gum disease — is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It starts when bacterial plaque builds up along the gumline and, if left unchecked, hardens into tartar. That bacterial load prompts the body’s immune response, which ultimately damages the soft tissues and underlying bone that keep teeth stable.
The early phase of gum disease may be reversible, but once the process advances, damage can be progressive and long-lasting. Because symptoms are sometimes mild or absent at first, routine dental exams and cleanings are essential to identify problems before they escalate.
Knowing how gum disease develops helps patients take practical steps: consistent home care to limit plaque, professional cleanings to remove deposits, and regular assessments to monitor tissue health. Simple interventions at the right time often prevent more invasive treatment later.
Many people delay care because early gum disease can be subtle. Still, there are reliable signs that indicate a problem is developing. Noticing these changes and seeking evaluation early improves the chances of restoring healthy gums without surgery.
Pay attention to bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, or gums that look redder than usual. Other warning signs include gum recession that exposes tooth roots, increased tooth sensitivity, and teeth that feel mobile or do not fit together like they used to.
If you experience any of the symptoms below, schedule an examination so your dental team can evaluate the situation and recommend an appropriate plan of care.
Some indications that you may have periodontal disease include:
Inflamed, tender, or darkened gum tissue
Bleeding during brushing, flossing, or eating
Receding gums or exposed root surfaces
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
Teeth that loosen or shift position
New gaps forming between teeth or changes in your bite
Discharge or pus near the gumline
Discomfort when chewing that is new or worsening
Oral health is not isolated from overall health. Research links chronic periodontal infection with increased risks for several systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, complications with diabetes management, and respiratory concerns. The inflammation that characterizes advanced gum disease can contribute to broader inflammatory processes in the body.
Addressing gum disease is therefore both a dental and a health priority. Controlling oral inflammation helps protect the structures that support your teeth and may also reduce systemic inflammation, supporting better general health outcomes.
Our approach emphasizes prevention and partnership: we educate patients on home care measures that reduce bacterial load, perform careful clinical examinations, and tailor follow-up plans that fit each person’s health profile and needs.
Gingivitis is the first, and most treatable, stage of periodontal disease. It shows up as redness, swelling, and bleeding at the gumline, and it typically stems from plaque buildup. Fortunately, gingivitis does not involve irreversible bone or connective tissue loss, which means timely intervention can restore healthy gums.
Reversal of gingivitis usually begins with improving daily oral hygiene — effective brushing, thorough flossing or interdental cleaning, and professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. In many cases, a focused home-care routine combined with periodic maintenance visits returns the gums to a healthy state.
Our team helps patients identify the behaviors and techniques that make home care more effective, and we recommend personalized recall schedules to keep inflammation under control. Early action prevents the need for more complex procedures later on.
If gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress to periodontitis — a stage where the infection affects the connective tissues and bone that anchor teeth. As pockets form between teeth and gums and bone loss occurs, the risk of tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss increases.
Treatment at this level focuses on halting disease progression and restoring as much support as practical. Interventions may include more intensive cleaning below the gumline, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and procedures to regenerate or graft lost tissue when indicated.
With appropriate therapy and a disciplined maintenance routine, many patients can preserve their natural teeth and regain healthier gum contours and function.
Selecting the right treatment depends on the severity of disease, the amount of tissue and bone loss, the patient’s overall health, and their oral-care habits. After a comprehensive exam, including periodontal measurements and diagnostic imaging when needed, we present options and explain how each approach works and what to expect during recovery.
Below are broad categories of periodontal care commonly used to restore health and prevent recurrence. Your dental team will recommend a course based on your unique clinical picture.
When disease is detected before extensive tissue loss, non-surgical measures are often highly effective. Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) removes plaque and hardened deposits beneath the gumline and smooths root surfaces to discourage bacterial adherence and promote tissue healing.
Adjunctive therapies — such as localized antimicrobial agents placed directly into periodontal pockets, or short courses of systemic medication when appropriate — can increase the effectiveness of mechanical cleaning. Success relies on removing the bacterial source and maintaining strict oral hygiene afterward.
Following initial therapy, most patients benefit from a customized maintenance schedule to monitor pocket depths and prevent recurrence.
When pockets are deep or bone loss is significant, surgical procedures may be recommended to improve access for cleaning, reduce pocket depth, and restore a healthier gum architecture. Techniques range from flap procedures that expose root surfaces for thorough debridement to regenerative grafts that encourage new bone and connective tissue growth.
Today’s surgical options also include technology-assisted techniques such as lasers in selected cases, which can help reduce inflammation, remove diseased tissue, and support healing with less postoperative discomfort for some patients.
The primary goals of surgical care are:
Eliminate bacteria and diseased tissue from beneath the gums
Stabilize or restore lost bone and recontour affected hard tissues as needed
Reduce pocket depths so daily home care becomes more effective and long-term health is easier to maintain
Periodontal care is most successful when patients and their dental team collaborate on prevention, early detection, and consistent follow-up. We combine clear explanations, modern techniques, and individualized maintenance plans so patients understand their condition and the steps needed to protect their oral health.
Whether you are managing early inflammation or addressing more advanced periodontitis, the goal is the same: preserve natural teeth, improve gum health, and support overall wellness. The team at Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry brings decades of experience to periodontal care and tailors treatment to fit each patient’s needs and comfort level.
If you have noticed symptoms or want a periodontal assessment, please contact us for more information. Our staff is ready to explain options, answer questions, and help you schedule an evaluation to determine the best path forward for your oral health.
Periodontal disease starts when bacterial plaque accumulates along the gumline and triggers inflammation in the tissues that support your teeth. Over time, that plaque can harden into tartar, which fosters further bacterial growth and makes removal with routine brushing more difficult. The body’s immune response to this bacterial load can damage soft tissue and, if left unchecked, begin to erode the bone that anchors teeth.
Early stages of the condition are often reversible with improved home care and professional cleanings, but advanced disease can cause lasting tissue and bone loss. Because symptoms may be subtle, regular dental exams are essential for catching problems before they progress. Timely intervention reduces the need for more invasive procedures and helps preserve natural teeth.
Common warning signs include gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, and gums that appear red, swollen, or tender. You may also notice gum recession that exposes root surfaces, increased tooth sensitivity, or new gaps forming between teeth. Mobility or changes in how your bite feels are also important indicators that support should be evaluated.
Some infections produce discharge or pus near the gumline and can cause discomfort when chewing, which requires prompt attention. Because early gum disease can be mild, reporting even minor changes helps your dental team identify issues sooner. An examination will determine whether conservative care or more advanced treatment is indicated.
Chronic periodontal inflammation has been associated with systemic health concerns, including complications related to cardiovascular disease and diabetes management. The inflammatory processes that persist in advanced gum disease can contribute to broader bodily inflammation and may affect other organ systems. Addressing periodontal infection can therefore be seen as part of protecting overall health, not just oral health.
Managing oral inflammation often improves local symptoms and can help stabilize systemic conditions that are sensitive to inflammatory burden. Your dental team will review your medical history and coordinate care with other providers when appropriate. Preventing and controlling gum disease supports both a healthy mouth and general well-being.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding at the gumline without irreversible bone loss. With consistent, effective oral hygiene and professional cleanings, gingivitis is usually reversible because the supporting bone and connective tissue remain intact. Recognizing and treating gingivitis early prevents progression to more destructive stages.
Periodontitis occurs when inflammation extends below the gumline and begins to damage the connective tissue and bone that support teeth, forming pockets and potentially causing tooth mobility. Treatment for periodontitis focuses on stopping disease progression and, when possible, regenerating lost tissue. Long-term success depends on both clinical therapy and ongoing home care and maintenance visits.
Diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical examination including periodontal probing to measure pocket depths, assessment of bleeding on probing, and inspection for recession or mobility. Diagnostic imaging such as dental X-rays is used when needed to evaluate bone levels and detect changes not visible during the clinical exam. Your dental history and any systemic health factors will also be reviewed to understand risk and guide care.
Together, these findings create a comprehensive picture of your periodontal health and help the team develop an individualized treatment plan. The plan outlines recommended therapies, expected outcomes, and a suggested maintenance schedule. Clear communication ensures you understand the rationale for each step in care.
Non-surgical therapy typically begins with scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and hardened deposits from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to promote reattachment. Adjunctive measures may include localized antimicrobial agents placed directly into periodontal pockets or short courses of systemic medication when clinically appropriate. Success depends on thorough removal of bacterial sources combined with diligent home care.
After initial therapy, most patients transition to a customized maintenance program with more frequent cleanings and monitoring to prevent recurrence. Education on effective brushing and interdental cleaning techniques is an essential component of non-surgical care. Many cases are stabilized with these conservative measures when detected early.
Surgical intervention is considered when deep pockets, persistent infection, or significant bone loss limit the effectiveness of non-surgical therapy. Procedures such as flap surgery improve access for thorough debridement, reduce pocket depth, and allow the clinician to reshape or recontour affected tissues. Regenerative techniques—like bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration—may be used when conditions favor rebuilding lost bone and connective tissue.
Modern adjuncts, including selected laser-assisted therapies, can complement surgical care by reducing inflammation and improving healing in some cases. The decision to recommend surgery is based on clinical findings, overall health, and realistic expectations for recovery and long-term maintenance. Your dental team will explain the goals and recovery timeline so you know what to expect.
Prevention centers on consistent daily oral hygiene: twice-daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, daily interdental cleaning with floss or interdental brushes, and periodic professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. Lifestyle choices such as quitting tobacco use and managing systemic conditions like diabetes also play a major role in reducing risk. Regular dental visits allow for early detection and prompt corrective action when problems begin.
Working with your dental team to establish a personalized recall schedule and targeted home-care techniques increases the likelihood of long-term stability. Using the recommended tools and following instructions for technique often makes interdental cleaning more effective. Prevention is the most reliable way to preserve natural teeth and avoid complex treatments.
Periodontal maintenance is an ongoing program of professional care designed to monitor pocket depths, remove recurring deposits, and reinforce effective home care. These visits are typically more frequent than standard cleanings and include careful assessment of tissue health, reinforcement of oral hygiene technique, and targeted cleaning of areas prone to plaque buildup. The exact interval depends on disease severity and individual response to treatment.
Consistent attendance at maintenance appointments is a key predictor of long-term success in preserving teeth and preventing relapse. Your clinician will adjust the plan as needed and coordinate additional therapy if new concerns arise. Staying engaged with maintenance helps protect the investment of initial treatment and supports durable oral health.
You should schedule an evaluation if you notice bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, unexpected gum recession, new tooth sensitivity, or any change in tooth position or bite. These signs suggest the possibility of periodontal disease and merit clinical assessment so the team can determine whether conservative care or more advanced therapy is needed. Early evaluation improves the chances of preserving teeth and minimizing invasive treatment.
The office in Newark, OH offers comprehensive examinations that include periodontal probing and any necessary imaging to create an individualized plan of care. If you have systemic conditions that increase your risk for periodontal disease, mention them during your visit so the team can tailor recommendations. The goal is to restore and maintain gum health while supporting your overall well-being.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to assist you. You can reach us by phone at (740) 344-4549 or by using the convenient contact form below. If you submit the form, a member of our staff will respond within 24–48 hours.
Please do not use this form for emergencies or for appointment-related matters.
