18 September 2025
Do you notice a little pink in the sink when you brush? Are your gums tender, swollen, or red? These are not "normal" signs of aging”they are the earliest warning signs of gum disease.
Your gums are the essential foundation that holds your teeth in place. When that foundation is compromised, your entire smile is at risk. At Raines Over the Rockies Family Dentistry in Lakewood, CO, we offer effective gum disease treatment to stop the infection, heal your gums, and protect your oral health.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is a bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding your teeth. It's a progressive condition that starts with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
This is the earliest, mildest, and only reversible stage. Your gums become inflamed, red, and may bleed easily. No bone has been lost at this stage, and it can typically be reversed with a professional cleaning and improved at-home care.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis. The irritation causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, forming "pockets." These pockets trap even more bacteria, which then begin to destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This can lead to:
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Receding gums
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Persistent bad breath
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Loose teeth
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Eventual tooth loss
How We Treat Gum Disease in Lakewood
The key to stopping periodontitis is to remove the tartar and bacteria trapped deep below the gumline. A regular cleaning just isn't enough. The primary treatment for this is a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing.
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Scaling: We carefully and gently remove hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria below the gumline, all the way to the bottom of the pocket.
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Root Planing: We then smooth the tooth's root surfaces. This makes it harder for new bacteria to stick to your gums and helps your gums reattach to the clean, smooth tooth.
We will numb the area to ensure you are completely comfortable during this procedure. After your deep cleaning, we'll recommend a "periodontal maintenance" schedule (often a cleaning every 3-4 months) to keep the disease at bay.
Don't Ignore the Signs
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It has also been linked to other serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Protecting your smile's foundation is essential. If you have any signs of gum disease, our compassionate team is here to help you get your health back on track with gentle, effective gum therapy.
This treatment is part of our comprehensive General Dentistry services. Learn more here and call our Lakewood office at (303) 988-7800 to schedule your exam!
