Gum Disease Treatment You Can Count On
While gum disease (or periodontal disease) is a common condition, left untreated, it can cause serious oral health problems like tooth loss, bone loss, pain, and sensitivity. Luckily, there are many treatments available as well as comprehensive preventative measures that you can take at home.
At The Foleck Center in Hampton Kecoughtan, our expert dentists offer modern solutions to treat periodontitis and gingivitis. Also, we help our patients stay proactive about preventing gum disease through cleanings and exams, education, and compassionate support.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease—also known as periodontal disease—is a common condition that affects the gums and supporting bone around your teeth. It begins with gingivitis, the early stage where gums may appear red, swollen, or bleed when brushing. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage that may lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
The main cause of gum disease is harmful bacteria that collect in sticky plaque on your teeth. Over time, this buildup can irritate your gums and create infection. But the good news is, with the right care and guidance, gum disease can often be managed—or even prevented—before it causes lasting damage.
At The Foleck Center in Hampton Kecoughtan, our gentle approach focuses on both treatment and prevention, so you can feel confident about your gum health and your smile.
What Can Increase the Risk of Gum Disease?
Several factors can make gum disease more likely to develop or progress. These include:
Inconsistent brushing and flossing habits
Tobacco use or smoking
Family history of gum problems
Hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause
Certain medications that affect saliva flow
Health conditions like diabetes or heart disease
Knowing your personal risk factors is the first step toward prevention. Our caring team will walk you through these risks and create a plan tailored to your needs, so you always feel supported on your journey to healthier gums.
How Can Gum Disease Be Prevented?
The best news about gum disease is that in many cases, it’s preventable. Simple, consistent habits at home—like daily brushing and flossing—make a big difference in keeping your gums healthy. Pairing those habits with regular cleanings and checkups at The Foleck Center in Hampton Kecoughtan gives you the added reassurance that any early signs of trouble can be caught and treated before they become bigger problems.
Our caring team takes the time to show you the best techniques for home care, while also using gentle professional treatments to help protect your smile. Prevention isn’t just about your teeth—it’s about your overall health, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease often presents itself with the following symptoms. It can be hard to notice some of these at home, so visiting a dentist a few times a year for regular exams and cleanings is paramount to detecting gum disease in its early stages. Your dentist will look for:
- Bleeding gums
- Red, tender, swollen gums
- Gums that have pulled away from teeth, (gum recession)
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Separating or loose teeth
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Types of Gum Disease
There are two main stages of gum disease, each with different symptoms and levels of seriousness. In the beginning, gum disease may only cause mild irritation, but if it isn’t treated, it can progress and have a bigger impact on your oral health and comfort. Understanding these stages—gingivitis and periodontitis—can help you spot early warning signs and know when it’s time to reach out for care.
Gingivitis
- Reversable
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and the good news is that it’s often reversible with proper care. At this stage, you may notice gums that look red, feel swollen, or bleed a little when you brush or floss. Some people also experience tenderness, gum recession, bad breath, or even the beginning signs of teeth feeling slightly loose.
The main cause of gingivitis is plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that naturally forms on your teeth and gums after eating or drinking. When plaque isn’t fully removed with daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, it can irritate your gums and lead to infection. With early treatment and good home care, gingivitis can usually be managed successfully, protecting both your smile and overall health.
Gingivitis can be prevented by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day to remove plaque. Regular visits, a few times a year, to your Hampton Kecoughtan dentist for cleanings can also help keep gingivitis at bay. Left untreated, gingivitis can devolve into early periodontitis, a non-reversible and more severe form of gum disease.
Early Periodontitis
- Non-reversible
Early periodontitis develops when gingivitis is left untreated and plaque hardens into tartar.
Unlike gingivitis, this stage involves the formation of periodontal pockets—spaces between the teeth and gums where bacteria collect and begin to damage the bone that supports your teeth.
Because these changes can’t be reversed with brushing and flossing alone, early periodontitis requires professional treatment from a dentist to prevent further progression.
Advanced Periodontitis
- Non-reversible
Advanced Periodontitis is the most serious stage of gum disease. When gum disease reaches the stage of advanced periodontitis, the bone and tissues that support your teeth become severely infected and weakened. This usually happens after long-term buildup of plaque and tartar that hasn’t been fully removed, allowing harmful bacteria to damage your gums and jawbone.
At this point, symptoms can feel more noticeable and sometimes painful. You may experience:
Significant gum recession
Persistent inflammation and swelling
Deep pockets between teeth and gums
Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
Abscesses or infections in the gums
Loose or shifting teeth, or even tooth loss
Changes in how your bite feels
In some cases, advanced periodontitis may require specialized procedures or surgery to restore health and protect the remaining teeth and tissues. While this stage is serious, you don’t have to face it alone—our compassionate team at The Foleck Center in Hampton Kecoughtan is here to provide the most effective treatments available and to support you every step of the way toward a healthier smile.
Periodontal Disease Treatment Options
At The Foleck Center, we provide advanced, results-driven treatments for every stage of gum disease. Our experienced team takes the time to explain your options and create a personalized plan that fits your health goals, budget, and lifestyle.
- Professional Dental Cleanings are one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your smile healthy. These gentle visits remove plaque and bacteria that brushing and flossing at home can’t always reach, giving your gums the fresh start they need to stay strong.
- Scaling and Root Planing is a gentle deep-cleaning treatment that carefully removes plaque and bacteria from below the gumline. By giving your gums a healthier foundation, this procedure helps reduce infection, ease inflammation, and protect your smile from further damage.
- Laser Periodontal Therapy is a comfortable, minimally invasive way to treat gum disease. Using advanced laser technology, this treatment gently removes infected tissue, encourages natural healing, and helps your gums feel healthier with less discomfort than traditional methods.
- Bone and gum grafting is a treatment used to restore areas where gum disease has caused damage. By gently placing small amounts of bone or tissue—either from your own mouth or a donor source—this procedure helps encourage new, healthy growth and strengthens the foundation that supports your teeth.
- Antibiotics may be recommended as part of gum disease treatment to help control harmful bacteria and calm infection. By reducing inflammation and supporting healing, they give your gums a better chance to recover and stay healthy.
- In some cases, surgery may be the best option to restore health when gum disease has become more advanced. Treatments such as gum grafting, bone grafting, or carefully planned tooth extraction can help protect the rest of your smile and give your gums a stronger, healthier foundation for the future.
Costs of Treatments for Gum Disease
Many gum disease treatments—such as deep cleanings and ongoing periodontal maintenance—are often at least partially covered by dental insurance. The overall cost depends on the severity of your gum condition and the specific treatment required. At The Foleck Center, our team works closely with patients to maximize insurance benefits and provides flexible payment options to help make high-quality care affordable.
Preventing Gum Disease
Gum disease is highly preventable with proper oral hygiene and consistent professional care. Brushing and flossing daily, along with scheduling regular dental cleanings and checkups at The Foleck Center in Hampton Kecoughtan, can help keep your gums healthy and detect early warning signs before they develop into more serious issues. With consistent care, you can protect both your smile and your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children or teens get gum disease?
Yes.
While gum disease is more common in adults, children and teens can also experience early gum problems such as gingivitis. Routine dental checkups at The Foleck Center make it possible to catch these issues early and provide effective treatment before they advance.
Is gum disease reversible?
In its earliest stage, gingivitis, gum disease can often be reversed with professional cleanings and consistent at-home care.
However, once the condition advances to periodontitis, it cannot be fully reversed—only managed through ongoing treatment to protect your oral health.
What other health problems can gum disease cause?
Research shows that gum disease is connected to serious health concerns beyond your mouth, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and pregnancy complications.
By maintaining healthy gums with regular care at The Foleck Center in Hampton Kecoughtan, you’re not only protecting your smile—you’re also supporting your overall health and well-being.
Is gum disease painful?
Not always—gum disease can develop silently without causing obvious pain. That’s why routine dental checkups are so important.
As the condition advances, symptoms such as tenderness, swelling, or bleeding gums may become more noticeable. Regular visits to The Foleck Center help ensure problems are detected and treated early.
Is gum disease contagious?
While gum disease itself isn’t contagious, the bacteria that cause it can be spread through saliva. Sharing utensils, drinks, or kissing may transfer these bacteria, increasing the risk of gum problems for anyone who doesn’t maintain proper oral hygiene.
Don’t Let Gum Disease Steal Your Smile!
At The Foleck Center in Hampton Kecoughtan, we combine expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate care to make your root canal experience as comfortable and effective as possible.
Our team takes the time to explain each step, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan. Choose The Foleck Center to protect your natural teeth and maintain your oral health with care you can trust.
Call today or schedule an appointment online to take the first step toward a healthier smile and improved overall health.
- Friendly, Experienced Providers and Staff
- Cutting-edge Technology and Procedures
- No Referrals - We Do it All
- Comfortable, Modern Facilities
- Same-Day & Emergency Appointments
- Financing & Insurance Accepted
