How Do I Know if I Need Periodontal Treatment?

Your gums do more than hold your teeth in place—they protect the foundation of your entire smile. When gum health slips, it doesn’t always hurt right away. That’s why periodontal issues often go unnoticed until they’re more serious.

So how do you know if it’s time to see someone for periodontal care? The signs are there, even if they’re easy to miss at first.

Bleeding Gums Are Not Normal

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, that’s a red flag. Many people think it’s just part of brushing hard or “getting back into flossing,” but healthy gums shouldn’t bleed regularly.

Bleeding is often the first sign of inflammation, also known as gingivitis. Left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis—a more advanced form of gum disease that damages tissue and bone.

Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away

Morning breath happens. But if you’re brushing and flossing daily and still dealing with persistent bad breath, bacteria below the gumline might be to blame.

When plaque and tartar build up under the gums, they can lead to infection and odor. Regular brushing can’t reach these deeper pockets—periodontal treatment may be needed to clean them out.

Receding Gums or Tooth Sensitivity

If your teeth suddenly look longer or you’re feeling more sensitivity near the gumline, your gums may be pulling away. Gum recession can be subtle but serious. It exposes the roots of your teeth and increases your risk of cavities and bone loss.

You might also notice small gaps between your teeth that weren’t there before. These changes can be signs of shifting due to bone loss beneath the surface.

What Dental Health Associates Might See

Even if things seem fine at home, your hygienist may spot early signs of gum disease during a routine visit. One key step is measuring the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums using a periodontal probe. Bleeding during this process or pocket depths around 4mm can point to gingivitis—even if you haven’t noticed symptoms.

If pockets measure 5mm or more and X-rays show bone loss, that suggests periodontitis. Dr. Friedman or Dr. Genovese will review those findings and recommend next steps. Other signs they may note include gum recession, plaque or tartar buildup under the gums, or inflamed tissue around certain teeth. These clinical details help determine whether periodontal therapy and antibiotic treatment is needed.

Periodontal Therapy at Dental Health Associates in Wolcott, CT

At Dental Health Associates in Wolcott, CT, Dr. Ezra Friedman and Dr. Samantha Genovese take gum health seriously—looking beyond the surface to spot signs others might miss. If your gums show signs of disease or deep pocketing, they’ll recommend care tailored to your specific needs.

Treatment might involve scaling and root planing, updated home routines, or closer follow-up. Addressing it early makes everything more manageable.

Healthy gums don’t just support your teeth—they support your overall health. So, if you’ve noticed bleeding, sensitivity, or gum changes, don’t wait. A quick visit can offer answers—and help protect the foundation of your smile.

Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorised in: Gum Health