Preventing and Treating Periodontal Disease in Boynton Beach

Most people think of their teeth first when it comes to oral health, but your gums are just as important. They support your teeth, protect the bone underneath, and act as a barrier to bacteria. When gums become inflamed due to plaque buildup, the early stage of gum disease—gingivitis—sets in. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease, which affects both the gums and the bone that hold your teeth in place.

At Schmidt Family Dental, Dr. Brandon Schmidt helps patients in Boynton Beach understand how gum health works, why it matters, and what can be done to keep disease at bay.

The Early Warnings You Shouldn’t Ignore

Periodontal disease often starts small, but there are warning signs you can look for:

• Seeing blood in the sink when you brush or floss
• Gums that look puffy, red, or feel tender
• Bad breath that lingers even after brushing
• Teeth that look longer as gums begin to recede
• Subtle changes in the way your teeth come together when you bite

Catching these signs early can make treatment much simpler.

What Really Happens Beneath the Gums

In a healthy mouth, gums fit snugly around each tooth, leaving a shallow space that’s easy to keep clean. But when plaque and bacteria are left behind, inflammation begins. That inflammation causes the gum tissue to pull away slightly, creating a deeper space where bacteria can settle.

When that space measures 4 mm or more, it’s no longer considered healthy—it becomes what’s known as a periodontal pocket. The deeper the pocket, the more bacteria it traps and the harder it is to clean at home. At 5 mm or beyond, bone loss often shows up on X-rays, signaling active periodontal disease.

This is why regular dental checkups are so important—those measurements help us track gum health over time and intervene before serious damage occurs.

Deep Cleanings and Periodontal Maintenance

When periodontal disease is diagnosed, one of the first steps is a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. The goal is to carefully remove the bacteria and tartar that live below the gumline, then smooth the roots of the teeth so the gums can begin to heal. This reduces inflammation and helps shrink periodontal pockets to healthier levels.

Because gum disease is a chronic condition, follow-up is key. After deep cleaning, most patients benefit from a periodontal maintenance schedule, which means coming in more often than the typical twice-a-year visits. These ongoing cleanings allow Dr. Schmidt and the hygiene team to keep bacteria under control and monitor healing so the disease doesn’t progress further.

Prevention and Treatment That Work Together

The best way to fight periodontal disease is to prevent it from starting. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing every day, and eating a balanced diet go a long way. But professional care plays an equally important role. At Schmidt Family Dental, routine cleanings remove buildup in areas you can’t reach on your own, and exams allow Dr. Schmidt to monitor your gum health closely.

If gum disease is caught early, a professional cleaning and improved home habits may reverse it. For more advanced cases, scaling and root planing combined with periodontal maintenance helps restore stability and protect long-term gum health.

Periodontal Care in Boynton Beach, FL

Your gums are more than just the backdrop to your smile—they’re a vital part of your overall health. Research shows links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even memory decline. Protecting your gums means protecting more than your teeth—it means supporting your body as a whole.

At Schmidt Family Dental, Dr. Brandon Schmidt provides personalized care for every stage of gum health. Whether you’re looking to prevent problems or need treatment for existing disease, our team is here to help you protect both your smile and your overall wellness.

If you’ve noticed changes in your gums—or if it’s time for your next cleaning—call Schmidt Family Dental in Boynton Beach, FL today to schedule your visit. Strong gums mean a stronger smile—and a healthier you.

Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorised in: Gum Health