What gum disease is
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of your gums and the bone that supports your teeth. You’ll first see it as gingivitis — inflammation that causes redness, puffiness, and bleeding when you brush. Your case can progress to periodontitis if it’s left untreated, with gums pulling away from the teeth and the underlying bone gradually destroyed.
You’re not alone if any of this sounds familiar — the CDC reports nearly half of US adults over 30 have some form of periodontitis. Your good news: with the right treatment and a maintenance rhythm, the vast majority of patients keep their teeth for life.
Common signs
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Gums that look red, swollen, or shiny
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums that have pulled back from the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth, or a change in bite
- Increased sensitivity at the gumline
How we treat it at our Fishersville office
Your visit includes measurement of the small spaces between your gums and teeth (called pockets) and updated digital X-rays of the bone. Your treatment then typically falls into one of three tiers, based on what we find:
- Gingivitis — addressed with a thorough cleaning, hygiene coaching, and a tighter recall rhythm. Fully reversible.
- Mild to moderate periodontitis — scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) under local anesthetic, often paired with laser therapy and ongoing periodontal maintenance.
- Advanced periodontitis— additional techniques and, in some cases, referral to a periodontist. We’ll coordinate the care closely.
Who’s a good candidate for evaluation
You’re a candidate for a periodontal evaluation if any of the signs above feel familiar — even if your last cleaning was recent. Patients across Augusta County, Staunton, and the wider Shenandoah Valley often come in for what they think is “just a cleaning” and find out their gums need a different level of care; that’s exactly the moment to act, because catching it early is what keeps the bone intact.
Maintenance after treatment
You’ll move to a periodontal maintenance schedule after active treatment — typically every three to four months instead of every six. Your tighter rhythm is what keeps the disease controlled long-term and protects the bone supporting your teeth.
At-home care between visits
You’ll get the most leverage at home with twice-daily brushing using a soft-bristled brush, a daily flossing routine (or a water flosser if traditional floss never quite stuck), and a fluoride toothpaste. Your bleeding spots are the ones that need more attention, not less — keep brushing them gently. You’re welcome to bring questions to every recall; we’ll fine-tune the routine together.
Related care: laser-assisted gum therapy and preventive care.