Periodontal Disease (gum disease)
Periodontal disease is a chronic low-grade infection of the gum tissue. This disease process gradually destroys the support (gum tissue and bone) of your natural teeth. Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum (periodontal) disease than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. It is very unfortunate that gum disease is not painful because if you don’t do to a qualified dentist that checks the gum tissue, you will not know you have gum disease. At each regular checkup, Dr. Nugent or your hygienists will measure the pocket (called a sulcus) between your teeth and gums to identify whether you have gum disease. Normal pockets range from 1 to 3 mm. When you brush your teeth, the toothbrush bristles can get underneath the gum tissue and clean out food and bacteria. When the pockets get above 4 mm, bacteria and food particles linger and fester, starting the process of gum disease.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.
Periodontal disease attacks just below the gum line in the sulcus, where it causes the attachment of the tooth and supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a larger pocket. This larger pocket allows for more bacteria, and the cycle of destruction increases.
Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease.
The two major stages are Gingivitis and Periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. The gum tissue is red, swollen, and bleeds easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible with professional treatment and good oral care at home. In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called Periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously damaged. Healthy gums and bone anchor teeth firmly in place. If the gums and bone are infected, they can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or have to be removed by a dentist.
Some factors increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Tobacco smoking or chewing
- System-wide diseases such as diabetes
- Fillings that have become defective
- Poor nutrition
- Bridges that no longer fit properly
- Pregnancy
If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, see the doctor immediately:
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Gums that bleed easily
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Understanding Periodontal Disease: Protecting Your Gums, Teeth, and Health
Your gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Just like a house needs a solid base, your teeth rely on healthy gums and bone for stability. Unfortunately, periodontal disease—also known as gum disease—is one of the most common oral health problems affecting adults. Left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss. At Dr. Michael Nugent’s Pasadena, Texas dental office, we focus on prevention, early detection, and effective treatment of periodontal disease to keep your mouth healthy for life.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the gums and supporting bone that hold your teeth in place. It starts quietly, often without pain, and progresses over time. The earliest stage is gingivitis, where gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily during brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is reversible with professional cleanings and good home care.
However, if left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more serious stage where bacteria invade below the gumline. At this point, plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) accumulate on the roots of teeth, causing chronic inflammation. The body’s immune response attempts to fight the infection, but in doing so, it breaks down the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth.
As bone loss continues, pockets form between the gums and teeth, trapping more bacteria and deepening the infection. Without intervention, this destructive cycle leads to tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss.
Why Periodontal Disease Is So Damaging
The mouth is full of bacteria, and when oral hygiene is neglected, these bacteria thrive in the sticky biofilm known as plaque. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing. The bacteria release toxins that irritate and inflame the gums, triggering the body’s inflammatory response.
Unfortunately, this inflammation does more harm than good over time. The body begins to attack the very tissues and bone that anchor your teeth in place. This destruction is not only local—it has systemic implications. Studies have linked periodontal disease to serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications.
That’s why maintaining healthy gums isn’t just about keeping your teeth—it’s about protecting your overall health.
How Periodontal Disease Is Treated: Scaling and Root Planing
When periodontal disease develops, standard dental cleanings are not enough to remove the bacteria below the gumline. The gold standard for treating gum disease is a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing.
Step 1: Scaling
During the scaling process, Dr. Nugent or one of our skilled hygienists uses specialized instruments (ultrasonic and hand scalers) to remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup from the tooth surfaces—especially below the gumline and inside periodontal pockets. This removes the main source of infection and allows the gums to begin healing.
Step 2: Root Planing
After scaling, the tooth roots are smoothed and polished. This process, called root planing, removes bacterial toxins and makes it harder for new plaque to adhere. As the roots become smooth and clean, the gums can reattach to the teeth, reducing pocket depth and halting further bone loss.
In some cases, Dr. Nugent may recommend antimicrobial rinses or localized antibiotic treatments to control bacteria and promote healing. Regular maintenance cleanings and consistent at-home oral hygiene are essential to keep gum disease from returning.
The Importance of Early Detection
The earlier periodontal disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Warning signs include:
Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gum recession or teeth appearing “longer”
Loose teeth or shifting bite
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Periodontal disease will not go away on its own. With timely care, Dr. Nugent can help stop the progression and restore your oral health.
Protect Your Smile with Expert Periodontal Care
At Dr. Michael Nugent’s Pasadena, Texas dental office, we are passionate about helping our patients maintain strong, healthy gums for life. Whether you need preventive cleanings or advanced periodontal therapy, our goal is to provide gentle, effective care that keeps your teeth and gums healthy and your smile beautiful.
If you haven’t had a dental cleaning in a while—or if you’ve noticed any signs of gum disease—schedule an appointment today. Early treatment is the key to protecting your smile and preventing long-term damage.
Call Dr. Nugent’s office today at (713) 941-8261 or visit www.ThePasadenaTexasDentist.com to learn more about scaling and root planing and our complete periodontal care services.
Preventing Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examination. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
If you need a good dental home or want to have your gum tissue checked, then call our office at 713-941-8261 or visit us at 3421 Burke RD Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504.
