What is gum disease?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a chronic bacterial infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It develops in two broad stages:
- Gingivitis: inflammation limited to the gums. Gums look red or swollen and bleed when brushing. At this stage the damage is reversible with professional cleaning and good home care.
- Periodontitis: the infection spreads below the gum line, forming pockets between the gum and tooth and gradually destroying bone. Lost bone does not usually grow back on its own, and teeth may eventually loosen.
Gum disease rarely hurts in its early and middle stages, which is why many people do not notice it until teeth start to move. Our blog post on the early signs of gum disease lists symptoms worth watching for.
Why gum health matters for the whole body
Research has linked periodontal disease with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions, and poorly controlled diabetes can make gum disease harder to manage. This connection is central to how we work at E&D Dental. For this reason, treating the gums is not only about the mouth. Our philosophy of whole-body health awareness, shaped by experience with general-hospital cases, means we pay close attention to medical history and medications when planning gum treatment, particularly for elderly patients.
Who needs periodontal treatment?
You may benefit from an assessment if you notice:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums that are pulling back from the teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted
- Food packing between teeth more than before
People who smoke, have diabetes, are pregnant, or have a family history of early tooth loss are at higher risk and should have their gums checked regularly. If gum disease is severe and some teeth cannot be kept, we will discuss realistic options such as implants designed for seniors and patients with chronic conditions.
How gum disease is treated at E&D Dental
- Periodontal examination. We measure pocket depths around each tooth, check bleeding and mobility, and take X-rays. The Q-ray intraoral camera shows plaque biofilm on screen so you can see where cleaning is needed.
- Scaling. Tartar above and just below the gum line is removed. For many patients with gingivitis, regular gentle scaling is enough.
- Deep cleaning. For periodontitis, scaling and root planing cleans deeper root surfaces under local anesthesia, usually over several visits.
- Re-evaluation. After the gums have had a few weeks to heal, we remeasure the pockets to see how they have responded.
- Surgical care if needed. Deep pockets that remain may require gum surgery, and in suitable cases regeneration procedures to rebuild lost support.
- Maintenance. Regular periodontal maintenance visits keep bacteria under control over the long term.
Any numbing uses our 3-step painless anesthesia system: topical gel or gargle, Endo-Frost cold numbing, then computer-controlled anesthesia with electric-stimulation support, designed to make gum treatment more comfortable.
Recovery and home care
Most people return to work or daily activities the same day. After deeper cleaning, gums may feel tender and teeth may be sensitive to cold for a few days. As swelling goes down, gums often tighten and may look slightly lower than before. Daily habits make the biggest difference:
- Brush gently along the gum line twice a day
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes in the sizes we recommend
- Stop smoking if you smoke, as it slows gum healing
- Keep your maintenance appointments, typically every few months at first
Risks and limitations
Periodontal treatment can halt the progression of gum disease, but it cannot fully restore bone that has already been lost, except in selected cases with regenerative procedures. Gum recession after treatment can expose roots and make teeth look longer or feel more sensitive. Without ongoing maintenance and home care, the disease commonly returns.
Why patients in Sanbon and Gunpo choose E&D Dental for gum care
- A staged plan that starts with the least invasive option
- Attention to diabetes, heart conditions and medications, with vital-sign monitoring available
- Comfort-focused anesthesia that also applies to scaling
- Clear explanations of pocket measurements and what they mean
- Monday and Thursday evening hours for working patients
International residents can ask for help with English communication when booking. Book a gum assessment at our clinic near Sanbon Station.