Protect Your Smile with Gum Disease Treatment in Norfolk
Gum disease may be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. At The Foleck Center in Norfolk, we believe every smile deserves gentle, compassionate care. Our friendly team understands how concerns like bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum sensitivity can affect not just your oral health, but also your confidence.
That’s why we offer personalized gum disease treatments designed to restore comfort, protect your teeth, and keep your smile bright for years to come. Whether you’re dealing with the early signs of gingivitis or a more advanced stage of periodontitis, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—with understanding, encouragement, and the latest techniques in periodontal care.
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 Norfolk, 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 Norfolk 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.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
Gum disease doesn’t always cause pain right away, which is why it can sometimes go unnoticed. Some signs you might notice at home include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Receding gums or teeth that appear longer
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Visible signs of infection between teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Noticing changes in the way your bite feels
- Noticing a change in how your partial dentures feel
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: The First Stage of Gum Disease
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 day and flossing once a day to remove plaque. Regular visits a few times a year to your Norfolk 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: When Gum Disease Progresses
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can advance to early periodontitis. This stage is more serious because the infection begins to create small spaces, called periodontal pockets, between your teeth and gums. Over time, these pockets can trap bacteria and damage the bone that supports your teeth.
Plaque that isn’t fully removed can harden into tartar, which makes it even harder to keep your gums healthy at home. That’s why early periodontitis is best managed with the help of a professional dentist. With the right care, we can clean beneath the gumline, reduce infection, and protect your smile from further damage.
Advanced Periodontitis
- Non-reversible
Advanced Periodontitis: 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 Norfolk 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 in Norfolk, we provide gentle, modern treatments for every stage of gum disease. Whether you’re dealing with the early signs of gingivitis or a more advanced form of periodontitis, our caring team is here to help restore your gum health and protect your smile.
We know that every patient’s needs are unique, which is why we take time to talk through your treatment options, answer your questions, and create a plan that fits your health, comfort, and lifestyle. Our goal is not just to treat gum disease, but to make sure you feel supported and confident every step of the way.
- 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 Gum Disease Treatments
The cost of gum disease treatment can vary depending on your individual needs, the stage of the condition, and the type of care required. The reassuring news is that many common treatments—such as deep cleanings and periodontal maintenance—are often at least partially covered by dental insurance.
At The Foleck Center in Norfolk, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of a healthy smile. Our friendly team will walk you through your insurance benefits, answer any questions, and provide flexible payment options to make treatment as stress-free and affordable as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease Treatment in Norfolk
What is gum disease, and how serious is it?
Gum disease—also called periodontal disease—is an infection of the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. It starts with gingivitis, where gums may bleed or feel tender, and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Advanced gum disease can cause gum recession, tooth loss, and even affect your overall health. At The Foleck Center in Norfolk, we provide gentle, modern treatments to stop gum disease, protect your teeth, and keep your smile healthy.
Can children or teens get gum disease?
Yes, while gum disease is more common in adults, children and teens can also develop early stages of gum problems like gingivitis. Regular dental checkups at The Foleck Center in Norfolk can help detect and treat issues before they progress.
How is gum disease treated at The Foleck Center in Norfolk?
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. For gingivitis, professional dental cleanings and improved home care may be enough. For more advanced gum disease, we offer options such as scaling and root planing, laser periodontal therapy, antibiotics, and in some cases, surgical procedures like bone and gum grafting. Our Norfolk dentists will work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your needs and keeps you comfortable.
Is gum disease reversible?
In its earliest stage, gingivitis, gum disease can often be reversed with professional cleanings and improved at-home care. However, once it progresses to periodontitis, it can only be managed—not fully reversed.
What other health problems can gum disease cause?
Research has shown that gum disease is linked to serious health concerns beyond the mouth, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and complications during pregnancy. Keeping your gums healthy with regular care at The Foleck Center can help protect your overall health as well as your smile.
Is gum disease treatment painful?
Many patients are relieved to learn that gum disease treatment is often far more comfortable than they expect. At The Foleck Center, we use advanced techniques like laser therapy and gentle scaling to reduce discomfort. We also take time to explain each step and ensure you feel relaxed and cared for throughout your visit. Our Norfolk team is here to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
Is gum disease contagious?
While gum disease itself isn’t considered contagious, the bacteria that cause it can be transferred through saliva. This means habits like sharing utensils, drinks, or kissing may spread the bacteria, increasing someone’s risk if they don’t maintain good oral hygiene.
What are the most common symptoms of gum disease?
Symptoms of gum disease vary, but early signs include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, and bad breath. As the condition progresses, you may notice gum recession, loose teeth, or changes in the way your bite feels. Some patients also report persistent bad taste or discomfort when chewing. If you live in Norfolk and notice any of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling a gum evaluation at The Foleck Center as soon as possible.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Gums Today
Living with gum disease can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At The Foleck Center in Norfolk, our compassionate team is here to guide you with gentle, personalized care designed to protect your gums, restore your confidence, and keep your smile healthy for years to come.
Whether you’re noticing early signs of gingivitis, struggling with more advanced symptoms, or simply want peace of mind about your gum health, we’re ready to help. With modern treatments, flexible options, and a focus on your comfort, we make it easy to get the care you deserve.
Conveniently located in Norfolk and proudly serving nearby communities like Ghent, Ocean View, and Downtown Norfolk, we’re here for patients across the area.
Don’t wait until gum disease progresses—schedule your appointment today or call 800-800-8000 and let us help you protect your smile.
