By Dr. Tom Meyer & Dr. Ellie Meyer
“Gum disease is one of those conditions people tend to overlook until it becomes impossible to ignore. A little bleeding here, a little tenderness there — and before long, brushing feels uncomfortable, bad breath becomes a daily frustration, and eating can feel like work. At Meyer Dental Group, we believe gum health is the foundation of a healthy smile and a healthy life. Our approach is simple: understand the root cause, treat gum disease early and effectively, and give patients the tools and support they need to protect their oral health long-term.
If you or someone in your family has been dealing with sensitive gums, recurring inflammation, or breath that just doesn’t stay fresh, this blog will walk you through what periodontal disease looks like, what causes it, and how our team can help.”
The Symptoms: How Gum Disease Shows Up in Everyday Life
Periodontal disease usually starts quietly — which is why so many people are surprised when they hear the diagnosis. But even in early stages, your gums send clear signals that they’re under stress.
Common symptoms include:
• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or puffy gums
• Persistent bad breath, even shortly after brushing
• A bad taste in the mouth that doesn’t go away
• Gum recession, making teeth appear longer
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pain when chewing
• Loose teeth or small spaces forming between teeth
These symptoms affect more than your mouth. Many patients describe feeling embarrassed about bad breath, avoiding certain foods because chewing causes discomfort, or feeling self-conscious about how their gums look. Gum disease can also make everyday hygiene routines feel frustrating — especially when bleeding becomes normal.
At Meyer Dental Group, we want every patient to know that bleeding gums are not normal. They’re a sign your body is working overtime to fight inflammation.
The Causes: Why Gum Disease Happens
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition caused by bacteria — but the reasons it develops vary from person to person. Understanding the “why” allows us to create effective, personalized treatment plans.
1. Plaque & Tartar Buildup
The most common cause. When bacteria stay on the teeth too long, the gums become inflamed and irritated.
2. Inconsistent Home Care
Life gets busy. Sometimes brushing or flossing habits slip, which allows bacteria to multiply more quickly.
3. Clenching or Grinding
Excess pressure on the teeth and gums can accelerate gum recession and inflammation.
4. Medical or Health Factors
Diabetes, hormonal changes, immune challenges, and medications can influence how the gums respond to bacteria.
5. Dry Mouth
Saliva helps protect the gums. When the mouth is dry — often from medications or mouth breathing — bacteria can accumulate more easily.
6. Smoking or Vaping
These restrict blood flow to the gums, making healing slower and masking early symptoms.
7. Nutrition & Lifestyle
Inflammation anywhere in the body makes inflammation in the gums harder to control.
Because gum disease is so interconnected with overall well-being, our team takes the time to understand your full health picture. At Meyer Dental Group, you’re never just a set of teeth — you’re a whole person.
The Treatment: Restoring Gum Health the Right Way
Periodontal disease is treatable. And when caught early, it’s can be reversible. In more advanced stages, while not reversible, we can control it, restore comfort, and prevent further damage with a customized plan.
Here’s what treatment may involve:
Professional Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
This is the cornerstone of gum disease therapy. Our hygienists gently remove bacteria and hardened tartar from below the gumline, helping the gums reattach and inflammation reduce.
Antimicrobial or Laser Therapy
When needed, we use targeted therapies to reduce harmful bacteria more effectively.
Periodontal Maintenance Visits
After gum treatment, patients typically benefit from more frequent hygiene appointments to support healing and prevent reinfection.
Bite & Clenching Evaluation
Because grinding and jaw tension can worsen gum recession, we may recommend an appliance or therapeutic approach if needed.
Guided Home Care
Our team teaches simple, personally tailored routines that make home care more effective — without extra stress or complexity. We support and guide patients on the most effecrtive home use products, like electric toothbrushes and types of toothpaste, to use as well.
Whole-Health Support
If nutrition, dry mouth, sleep habits, or medications are contributing, we help you address those factors in a practical, achievable way.
Our goal is straightforward: help you regain healthy gums that feel good, look good, and support lifelong wellness.
Why Treating Gum Disease Matters
Dr. Tom Meyer & Dr. Ellie Meyer:
“Ignoring gum disease doesn’t make it go away. In fact, untreated periodontal disease is linked to systemic inflammation, cardiovascular concerns, diabetes complications, compromised immune function, and even sleep issues. It’s more than a mouth problem — it’s a health problem.
At Meyer Dental Group, our philosophy has always been to look deeper, understand more, and support the whole patient. You deserve gums that don’t bleed, breath that feels fresh, and a smile that brings confidence instead of worry.
If you’re noticing early symptoms of gum disease — or if you haven’t had a dental cleaning in a while — we’re here for you.”
The comfort, clarity, and care you deserve are just one appointment away.
We treat people, not just teeth. Make an appointment today!
