Gum Disease Treatment in Beverly Hills

What Causes Gum Disease

Gum disease is a general term for a build-up of bacteria and inflammation of the gum line. Typically speaking, gum disease can be caused by poor oral care routines, skipping dental appointments, genetics, advanced age, or chronic illness.

Gum disease is also linked to conditions elsewhere in the body. People with periodontal disease show higher rates of heart disease, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Researchers describe these as associations rather than proven cause and effect, and shared risk factors like smoking may explain part of the pattern. Chronic inflammation appears to be the common thread. Treating your gums lowers that inflammation either way.

How Do You Know If You Have Gum Disease

Gum disease is not always noticeable, so many people do not realize they have a problem until it hurts. Professional dental cleanings catch it earliest, since your hygienist measures pocket depth at every visit. Here are the signs to watch for between appointments:

• Swollen or Tender Gums: Discomfort or noticeable swelling in the gums.
• Red or Inflamed Gums: Gums that appear red or irritated, especially around the gumline.
• Bleeding While Brushing or Flossing: A sign of plaque buildup making the gums sensitive.
• Receding Gums: Gums pulling back, exposing more of the tooth.
• Shifting or Loose Teeth: Teeth that feel loose or cause a change in your bite.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to see your dentist.

What Happens If Gum Disease Goes Untreated

Gum disease begins with poor oral hygiene, leading to plaque buildup that irritates the gums. It advances through two stages:

Gingivitis: The first stage involves red, swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. Good oral hygiene and regular cleanings can prevent and treat it.

Periodontitis: If untreated, gingivitis turns into periodontitis, where gums recede and form pockets that trap plaque. Bone loss at this stage does not reverse, though treatment can slow or stop it. When teeth are already lost, the conversation shifts to restorative dentistry and rebuilding what the disease took.

How Is Gum Disease Treated

These are the treatments we provide to improve the health of your gums.

• Scaling and Root Planing: a deep cleaning below the gumline that removes plaque and tartar from the tooth root and smooths the surface so bacteria have less to cling to. This is the starting point for most patients.
• Laser Therapy: the Biolase Epic Hygiene diode laser removes infected tissue and lowers bacteria inside periodontal pockets. Laser dentistry works alongside scaling rather than replacing it, and treatment takes 5 to 10 minutes.
• Perio Restore® Trays: custom trays paired with a prescription gel you use at home between visits to keep bacteria levels down.
• Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique: a method for correcting gum recession without grafting or stitches.

When Should You See a Dentist About Your Gums

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your gums—it affects your entire life. What starts as a quiet problem can turn everyday things like eating and smiling into real challenges. Ignoring it won’t make it disappear; it only gets worse with time.

By now, you’re probably exhausted from dealing with the pain, bleeding, and bad breath. It’s not just a physical issue; it’s chipping away at your confidence, impacting your work, and straining relationships. But here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to stay this way. Relief is within reach, and the first step is taking action before it gets any worse.