You might not give much thought to your gums until they become sore, look redder than usual, or bleed when you brush. But those small changes can be early signs of periodontal disease, and they’re your body’s way of asking for attention. Gum disease is more common than most people realize, and when left untreated, it can cause serious problems for your teeth and overall health.

Keep reading to learn what symptoms to watch for—and how we can help.

Why Gum Health Matters

Your gums are the foundation that holds your teeth in place. When they’re inflamed or infected, that support weakens, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and eventually, loose teeth.

We often see signs like:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Puffy, tender, or darker-colored gums
• Gumlines pulling back or exposing more of your teeth
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
• Teeth that feel a little more mobile than they used to

If any of this sounds familiar, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it, either. The sooner we catch these changes, the easier they are to treat.

What Treatment Looks Like

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating gum disease. Depending on what we find, your care might include:

• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria below the gumline
• Medicated rinses or antibiotics to reduce inflammation
• Ongoing maintenance visits to keep your gums on track
• Laser therapy or gentle surgical options for more advanced cases

The goal is simple: to get your gums healthy again—and help you keep them that way.

Let’s Get You Back on Track

If you’ve noticed a change in your gums or it’s just been a while since your last checkup, we’re here to help. We take gum health seriously, and we’ll walk you through every step of your treatment with compassion and care. Contact our dental office located in North Huntingdon, PA to schedule your appointment.