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Restore your gum health
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the most common dental conditions affecting adults in the United States. It is caused by bacterial plaque that builds up on and around the teeth, triggering inflammation and infection of the gum tissue. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to serious systemic health issues. At Roam Dental in Shelby Township, Dr. Barbu provides comprehensive periodontal care to detect, treat, and manage gum disease at every stage.
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Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It begins when plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — accumulates along the gumline and is not removed through regular brushing and flossing. The earliest stage, gingivitis, causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily and is fully reversible with professional care.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, a more serious condition in which the infection spreads below the gumline, destroying the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis cannot be fully reversed but can be successfully managed with ongoing treatment.
Regular professional cleanings and periodontal exams are essential for catching gum disease early. The sooner we identify and treat the condition, the better the long-term outcome for your teeth and overall oral health.
Treatment for gum disease depends on its severity. For patients with early-stage gingivitis, a thorough professional cleaning combined with improved home care is often sufficient to fully reverse the condition. We will also review proper brushing and flossing techniques to reduce plaque accumulation between visits.
For more advanced cases of periodontitis, scaling and root planing — often called a "deep cleaning" — is the first line of treatment. This non-surgical procedure removes tartar and bacterial deposits from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so gum tissue can reattach. Antibiotic therapy may also be used to eliminate persistent bacteria.
Following treatment, patients typically enter a periodontal maintenance schedule with more frequent cleanings every 3–4 months to keep the condition stable and prevent recurrence. Dr. Barbu will create a customized treatment plan based on the depth of your gum pockets and the extent of bone involvement.
Gum disease often develops gradually and without significant pain, which is why many patients are unaware they have it. Common warning signs include bleeding when brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, and gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth. You may also notice tooth sensitivity or teeth that seem to shift or feel loose.
More advanced symptoms include receding gumlines that make teeth appear longer, pus between the teeth and gums, and changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an evaluation promptly. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes.
Even if you have no obvious symptoms, regular checkups are essential — gum disease can progress silently. We perform comprehensive periodontal screenings at every routine exam to ensure any changes are caught and addressed immediately. Schedule an appointment at Roam Dental today.
Treating gum disease at our Shelby Township dental office protects far more than just your gums — it protects your overall health. Here is what you gain from periodontal care:
Professional treatment halts the bacterial infection, preventing further destruction of gum tissue, bone, and the supporting structures around your teeth.
Once plaque and tartar are removed and infection is controlled, gum tissue heals, swelling subsides, and bleeding during brushing dramatically decreases.
The bacteria causing periodontal disease are a major source of persistent bad breath. Effective treatment eliminates these bacteria and significantly improves breath odor.
By preserving the bone and tissue that anchor your teeth, periodontal treatment is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth loss in adults.
Research links gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. Treating periodontal disease may reduce your risk of these serious health complications.