Gum disease usually begins as simple gingivitis, just a bit of bleeding or tenderness when you floss, caused by everyday bacterial buildup. If that irritation gets ignored, the infection works its way deeper, pulling gums away from your teeth and eventually damaging the supporting bone underneath.
Early intervention stops it from reaching that stage. Dr. Angela Jones Gray and Dr. Nash Malicdan focus on clearing out hard-to-reach bacterial deposits, calming inflamed tissue, and keeping your natural teeth healthy over the long run.
Signs of gum disease
Spotting those early warning signs gives you the best chance to take action. Beyond mild tenderness, common symptoms include:
- Bleeding gums
- Red or purple gums
- Sensitive and irritated gum tissue
- Bad breath
- Inflamed gum tissue
- Gum pockets
- Loose teeth
Contact us if you notice any of these symptoms, and we will find the right treatment for your needs. Early prevention and regular maintenance in our office can help keep gum disease in check and reverse gingivitis.
Gum disease treatment
Catching gingivitis early keeps treatment simple. Consistent brushing, daily flossing, and regular hygiene visits clear up surface inflammation before permanent bone loss occurs. Once infection spreads beneath the gumline, deeper clinical care is required to stop damage from advancing.
For moderate or advanced periodontitis, we use ultrasonic scaling instruments alongside traditional manual hand tools. Ultrasonic scalers emit micro-vibrations and a cooling liquid spray to break apart stubborn calculus (tartar) and flush out bacterial deposits deep inside gum pockets with less pressure on sensitive tissue.
Following scaling, root planing smooths rough surfaces along tooth roots, helping gum tissue reattach securely. When deeper pockets (4mm or more) remain infected, we place localized antimicrobial therapy, such as Arestin (minocycline microspheres), directly into the affected pockets. These microscopic spheres dissolve over time, releasing targeted antibiotics right where the bacteria live without requiring oral systemic medications.
Periodontal disease treatment in Flower Mound, TX
Gingivitis is easily reversible if patients begin flossing and brushing twice daily. Many patients who experience bleeding gums from gingivitis can gently floss between their teeth to remove bacterial buildup and get a better clean. Patients can also visit our office for a routine cleaning if they notice bleeding or irritated gum tissue.
We may recommend a deep cleaning treatment for patients with moderate gum disease. During scaling treatment, we remove bacterial buildup on and beneath the gums. After scaling, we perform root planing treatment, smoothing the tooth roots to help them reattach to the teeth. We can also place antibiotics in deep gum pockets to fight off bacteria.
Periodontal disease treatment FAQs
We welcome you to learn more about periodontal disease treatment in Flower Mound, TX, with answers to these common questions:
What increases your risk of gum disease?
Several things can increase your risk of developing gum disease:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Age
- Genetics
- Medical conditions
- Hormonal changes
- Medications
- Poor nutrition
Taking care of your oral health by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly can help reduce your risk of gum disease.
Why do my gums bleed during pregnancy?
Rising progesterone levels during pregnancy increase blood flow to oral tissue and make gums more reactive to normal plaque buildup. Known as pregnancy gingivitis, this sensitivity usually appears in the second or third trimester. Gentle brushing with a soft-bristled brush and daily flossing help keep this temporary reaction under control.
How does gum disease affect my overall body health?
Oral bacteria don’t stay in the mouth. When gums bleed, bacteria enter your bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation linked to coronary artery disease, clogged blood vessels, higher stroke risk, and difficulty controlling blood sugar in diabetic patients.
Will I need gum surgery?
Not always. Most patients manage periodontitis through non-surgical deep cleanings and localized antibiotics. Surgery is typically reserved for advanced cases where deep pockets, severe gum recession, or bone loss persist after initial scaling and root planing treatments.
What can I do at home to help manage gum disease?
Daily habits determine your long-term results. Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush angled toward the gumline, floss every night to remove trapped debris, and rinse with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash. Adding a water flosser can also help flush out debris from hard-to-reach pockets between dental visits.
How often should I visit the dentist if I have gum disease?
Standard six-month checkups aren’t enough once periodontitis is present. Most periodontal patients need maintenance cleanings every three to four months. Bacteria repopulate deep pockets within 90 days, so frequent cleanings are necessary to disrupt these colonies before they attack supporting bone.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Only the initial stage, gingivitis can be completely reversed through thorough cleaning and daily oral care. Once infection destroys bone and ligament structure (periodontitis), the structural damage is permanent. Treatment at that stage focuses on controlling the infection and preventing further tooth loss
Schedule your periodontal evaluation
Bleeding when you brush, persistent bad breath, or gum tenderness are clear signals that your mouth needs attention. We provide non-surgical periodontal care for patients throughout Flower Mound, Lantana, Highland Village, Lewisville, and neighboring communities.
Call 972-619-9466 or request an appointment online to schedule your examination.
