Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile
Gum disease is one of the most common reasons adults lose teeth, and it often develops without pain. The good news: when it’s caught early, it can usually be reversed. At Happy Teeth, Dr. Bruce Edward King and our hygienists check your gums at every visit and offer non-surgical treatment to bring them back to health.
Noticing bleeding or tender gums? Call (310) 391-0699.
Warning signs of gum disease
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums pulling away from your teeth, making teeth look longer
- Teeth that feel loose or are shifting
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Pus between your teeth and gums
If you notice any of these, don’t wait for your next routine cleaning. Earlier treatment is simpler and more effective.
Stages of gum disease
Gingivitis (early, reversible)
Plaque along the gumline irritates the gums, causing redness and bleeding. There’s no bone loss yet. A professional cleaning and better home care can usually clear it up.
Periodontitis (moderate)
Bacteria move below the gumline and form pockets between the teeth and gums. The bone that supports the teeth begins to break down. This stage needs a deep cleaning and closer monitoring.
Advanced periodontitis
Pockets deepen, more bone is lost, and teeth can loosen or need to be removed. Treatment focuses on stopping the disease and, where needed, restoring missing teeth with options like dental implants.
How we treat gum disease
Periodontal exam
We measure the depth of the space between each tooth and the gum, check for bleeding and recession, and use digital X-rays to see the bone. This tells us exactly where the disease is and how far it has progressed.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
This is the most common treatment for gum disease. After numbing the area, our team removes hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria from below the gumline, then smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach. It’s usually done in one or two visits, one side of the mouth at a time.
Antimicrobial therapy
In some cases, Dr. King may place a medicated rinse or a localized antibiotic in deeper pockets to help them heal.
Periodontal maintenance
After a deep cleaning, gums need more frequent care than a standard cleaning provides. Most patients come in every three to four months for maintenance visits to keep bacteria under control and prevent the disease from returning.
Referral when needed
If your case needs surgical treatment, such as gum grafting or pocket reduction surgery, we’ll coordinate with a trusted periodontist and continue your routine care here.
Why gum health matters beyond your mouth
Research links gum disease with other health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and complications in pregnancy. Keeping your gums healthy is part of taking care of your whole body. It’s also essential before treatments like implants, crowns, or clear aligners.
Protecting your gums at home
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush, angled toward the gumline.
- Floss or use interdental brushes once a day.
- Don’t smoke or vape. Tobacco is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease.
- Keep your regular cleanings and exams.
- If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar under control also helps your gums.
Cost and insurance
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance. We’ll check your benefits and give you a clear estimate before treatment. Financing is available through CareCredit and Cherry.
Gum disease FAQ
Can gum disease be cured? Gingivitis can usually be fully reversed. Periodontitis can’t be “cured,” but it can be controlled with treatment and regular maintenance, which stops further damage.
Does a deep cleaning hurt? We numb the area first, so most patients feel only pressure and vibration. Gums may be a little tender for a day or two afterward.
How is a deep cleaning different from a regular cleaning? A regular cleaning removes plaque above and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning reaches into the pockets below the gums and smooths the roots so the gums can heal.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss? Bleeding is usually a sign of inflammation caused by plaque. It often improves within a week or two of consistent flossing. If it doesn’t, schedule an exam.
How often will I need maintenance visits? Most patients with a history of periodontitis come in every three to four months. We’ll recommend a schedule based on how your gums respond.
Take the first step toward healthier gums. Call (310) 391-0699 to schedule a periodontal exam at Happy Teeth, 3793 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066.
