Gum disease doesn’t happen overnight. It develops in stages—and the earlier it's caught, the easier it is to treat. While it may start with a little bleeding during brushing, it can progress into something much more serious if left alone.
At Gastonia Family Dentistry in Gastonia, NC, Dr. Leon Butcher, Dr. Kenneth White, and Dr. Keerthana Mesineni help patients spot gum disease early and take steps to protect their oral health before things go further.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
This is the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. It’s caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Gums may appear red, swollen, or bleed during brushing and flossing. Some people notice bad breath, too.
At this stage, the damage is limited to the soft tissue—no bone or attachment loss has occurred yet. If caught early, gingivitis is completely reversible.
During your exam, your hygienist will gently measure the space between your teeth and gums (called "pocket depths"). Healthy pockets usually range from 1–3mm. In gingivitis, pockets may still be within this range, with some 4mm readings, but bleeding during probing is common.
Treatment typically involves a "gingivitis cleaning," which is more thorough than a standard cleaning but not yet a "deep cleaning". The hygienist cleans beneath the gumline to remove plaque and tartar that contribute to inflammation. Improved home care is key, too.
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to early periodontitis. This is when the infection starts affecting the bone that supports your teeth. Pockets may measure 4–5mm, and there’s usually bleeding on probing, along with some loss of attachment.
You may not feel pain, but the supporting structures are quietly changing. Early periodontitis is often diagnosed based on both pocket depth and radiographic bone loss.
Treatment involves non-surgical periodontal therapy, commonly called scaling and root planing. The hygienist cleans beneath the gumline, removing bacteria to reduce inflammation and encourage healing. Patients with early periodontitis often move to periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months instead of the standard 6-month schedule.
Stage 3: Moderate to Advanced Periodontitis
In this more advanced stage, pocket depths often reach 6mm or more. There may be significant attachment loss, gum recession, and visible spaces between the teeth. Some patients report tooth sensitivity, movement, or discomfort while chewing.
At this point, the damage to bone and soft tissue is irreversible, but it can still be managed with ongoing care. Deep cleanings are usually paired with localized antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses to reduce bacteria. In some cases, patients are referred to a periodontist for more specialized procedures like flap surgery or bone grafting.
Gum Disease Treatment in Gastonia, NC at Gastonia Family Dentistry
At Gastonia Family Dentistry, Dr. Butcher, Dr. White, and Dr. Mesineni believe in catching gum disease early—before it leads to lasting damage. Whether you’re dealing with mild inflammation or need deeper treatment, their team creates a plan that fits your stage and your goals.
Noticing bleeding, bad breath, or gum recession? Or maybe you’ve heard a few 4s, 5s, or higher during your last probing exam? Schedule an appointment and let us help you protect your smile for the long haul.