At Aria Dental, we’re just as concerned with the gums of Greater Annapolis as we are with your teeth themselves. Gum disease is fairly easy to prevent with regular at-home oral hygiene, but it can be easy for anyone to fall behind in thorough brushing and flossing. When that happens enough times, food residue can easily become plaque bacteria that builds up, resulting in gingivitis — basic inflammation of the gums. It’s easily treatable and should be taken care of as soon as you notice inflammation or bleeding.
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If plaque is allowed to go unchecked, it can eventually turn into a harder substance called tartar, which is much harder to remove. In more severe cases, tartar will reach below the gum line, causing gum tissue to pull away from the teeth and form pockets where bacteria accumulates. This is periodontitis — advanced gum disease — which can eventually cause bone loss and tooth loss if left untreated. The good news is that gum disease is both preventable and treatable at every stage. Our preventive goal is to help you care for your teeth in a way that helps you avoid gum trouble in the first place. Beyond that, we strive to identify inflammation when it is minor and can be dealt with easily.
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Mild gingivitis is often resolved with a thorough professional cleaning combined with improved at-home hygiene habits. More advanced gum disease typically requires scaling and root planing — a deep cleaning procedure performed under local anesthesia that removes tartar and bacteria from below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces to discourage future bacterial attachment. Patients with severe periodontitis may be referred to a periodontist for surgical treatment. Following initial therapy, a maintenance schedule of cleanings every three to four months is usually recommended to keep the disease from recurring.
Early intervention with professional therapy halts the destruction of gum tissue and bone before it advances to a stage that requires more aggressive — and expensive — treatment.
Research links untreated gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions. Treating periodontal disease is an investment in your overall wellbeing, not just your mouth.
Advanced gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Timely therapy stops the bone and tissue destruction that ultimately leads to teeth becoming loose and requiring extraction.
You may have gum disease if you notice: gums that bleed when you brush or floss; red, swollen, or tender gum tissue; gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth; persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing; loose or shifting teeth; or changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. Many people don’t realize they have gum disease because the early stages are often painless. This is one of the most important reasons to attend regular dental cleanings — our hygienists check your gum health at every visit and can catch problems before you even notice them. If you have any of these symptoms, call Aria Dental of Annapolis at (410) 280-5370.
Why Choose Us
At Aria Dental of Annapolis, Dr. Nicholas Daniel and Dr. Lisa Daniel have built a practice around one simple belief: every patient deserves to feel like a person, not an appointment. From routine cleanings to full-mouth restorations, you get honest, thorough care from a team that knows your name.
Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage of gum disease characterized by red, inflamed, bleeding gums. At this stage, the bone and connective tissue holding the teeth in place have not yet been damaged. Periodontitis is the advanced stage, in which the infection has spread below the gum line and begun to destroy the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. Gingivitis is easily treated; periodontitis requires more intensive therapy.
Scaling and root planing is performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel minimal discomfort during the procedure. Some soreness and sensitivity in the treated areas is normal for a few days afterward. Most patients find the recovery much more manageable than they anticipated. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient.
Yes. Gum disease is a chronic condition, which means it requires ongoing management. After active treatment, most patients are placed on a maintenance schedule of cleanings every three to four months rather than the standard twice-yearly schedule. Consistent at-home hygiene and regular professional care are essential to keeping the disease in remission.
Research has established connections between periodontal disease and several systemic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. While the relationship is complex, treating gum disease is considered an important component of overall health management.
Brush thoroughly for two minutes twice daily, floss once a day, attend professional cleanings at least twice a year, avoid smoking, and eat a balanced diet. If you are diabetic or take medications that cause dry mouth, pay particular attention to your oral hygiene and discuss your risk with Dr. Daniel.
Most dental insurance plans cover periodontal therapy to some degree. Coverage depends on your specific plan and the stage of treatment needed. Our team will verify your benefits and let you know what to expect before treatment begins.
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