Woman, sore mouth and toothache at house from dental cavity, tooth extraction and gum infection. Female person, discomfort and oral decay with gingivitis, root canal injury and treatment for filling.

Understanding Gum Disease: Prevention and Treatment Options

By Maryam Brazdo

Oct 31 2025

Gums are the foundation of good oral health. Your gums create a protective barrier against harmful bacteria, support your teeth, and prevent tooth loss and infection that can spread throughout your body. Despite their importance, periodontal (gum) disease is prevalent in U.S. adults. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women age 30 or older have some form of periodontal disease.

As this condition can go from bad to worse fairly quickly, getting treatment and preventing recurrences is of the utmost importance. Let’s look at how gum disease develops and how to treat and prevent it in the future.

Gum Disease: What Causes It?

To truly understand how to treat and prevent gum disease, you must know what causes it. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. When healthy, your gums may appear light pink, firm, and snug around the teeth.

In the earliest stages of gum disease, your Melbourne, FL dentist may observe plaque buildup along the gum line, resulting in irritation and inflammation. This earliest stage is known as gingivitis and may appear with swelling, redness, or bleeding gums. Gingivitis is generally reversible if treated early on.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can continue into periodontitis. At this stage, the gums may begin pulling away from the teeth, creating small pockets that trap bacteria. In time, periodontitis can cause bone and tooth loss.

While anyone can develop gum disease, certain risk factors can make a person more likely to develop this condition:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Genetics
  • Smoking and tobacco use
  • Chronic stress
  • Certain medical conditions
  • Hormonal changes

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

Gingivitis is reversible, and if caught early, can be treated with routine dental and teeth cleaning appointments and diligent oral hygiene habits at home. As there is no bone loss yet, getting rid of the harmful bacteria contributing to the disease is paramount to help prevent the condition from progressing.

While gum disease in its later stages cannot be cured, it can be managed with help from your Melbourne, Florida dentist. It cannot be reversed once structural support around the teeth is lost. However, treatment can help eliminate infection and help speed up the process of rebuilding lost bone and tissue.

If gum disease is discovered, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. This procedure is similar to a routine dental cleaning. Still, it involves achieving a deeper clean under the gums to remove stubborn plaque buildup and bacteria in areas where your toothbrush and floss can’t reach.

Advanced treatments like pocket reduction surgery may be recommended for more serious cases of gum disease. This procedure removes the plaque and tartar that sit under the gums by creating an incision in the gums, allowing access to these areas. Severe cases may require bone grafting or gum grafting.

Ways that Gum Disease Can Be Prevented

Gum disease prevention starts at home. Brushing at least twice daily, flossing daily, and using mouthwash are all parts of a good oral health routine. Your diet also plays a role in your gum health. The gums require essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Some patients may benefit from dietary supplements.

If you currently use tobacco products, consider quitting. Smoking or the use of chewing tobacco can contribute to a range of health problems, including increased tartar buildup on the teeth. Quitting tobacco use is one of the best ways to reverse and prevent gum disease.

Finally, you’ll want to remember to get regular dental care. While you may believe you’re brushing and flossing well, there may be missing areas, especially if your teeth are crowded or misaligned. Your dentist can help you identify these problem areas and remove plaque and tartar buildup before it can affect your gum health.

Call Our Office to Schedule an Appointment

While gum disease is generally not life-threatening, it can contribute to other health conditions and affect your smile’s overall look and function. Contact Artistic Touch Dentistry today to schedule an appointment and learn about your treatment options.