What Is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

What Is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

In Virginia Beach

Protecting Your Smile, Health, and Confidence
Periodontal (Gum) Disease is one of the most common — yet most preventable — oral health problems. At Kempsville Dental, we help patients understand their gum health, catch early concerns, and treat Periodontal (Gum) Disease in Virginia Beach with advanced, compassionate care. Our goal is simple: protect your smile and restore long-term oral wellness.
What Is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
What Is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal (Gum) Disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, beginning with gum inflammation and progressing to deeper bone damage. It develops when plaque and bacteria irritate the gumline, causing the gums to pull away and form pockets where infection worsens. Left untreated, it can lead to loose teeth or even tooth loss.
Though common, Periodontal Disease is highly treatable when diagnosed early by an experienced dental team.
Types of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease does not occur in just one form. As gum inflammation progresses deeper into the bone and supporting structures, different types emerge. Below is an overview of the main forms of periodontal disease:
  • highlight iconChronic Periodontitis – The most frequently diagnosed form. It develops slowly as plaque toxins irritate the gums, leading to deep periodontal pockets and gum recession. Patients may feel like their teeth are “getting longer,” but it’s actually the gums pulling away, which can eventually result in gradual bone loss if untreated.
  • highlight iconAggressive Periodontitis – Progresses rapidly, even in individuals who appear otherwise healthy. It causes sudden attachment loss, fast bone destruction, and often runs in families, suggesting a genetic link.
  • highlight iconNecrotizing Periodontal Disease – A severe form involving sudden death of gum tissue, bone, and periodontal ligament. It is usually seen in patients with systemic conditions such as immunosuppression, malnutrition, or high stress, and requires urgent care.
  • highlight iconPeriodontitis Linked to Systemic Conditions – Associated with health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. It often develops earlier in life and requires close coordination between dental and medical care.
Why Does Periodontal Disease Occur?
Why Does Periodontal Disease Occur?
Periodontal (Gum) Disease begins when harmful bacteria and plaque accumulate around the gumline, triggering inflammation. Over time, this irritation causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to deeper infection and tissue damage.
Common reasons Periodontal Disease occurs include:
  • highlight iconPoor oral hygiene
  • highlight iconPlaque and tartar buildup
  • highlight iconSmoking or tobacco use
  • highlight iconGenetics or family history of gum disease
  • highlight iconHealth conditions like diabetes
Treatments for Periodontal Disease
At Kempsville Dental, our team brings over 30 years of experience and advanced technology to provide effective, comfortable care for Periodontal Disease in Virginia Beach. Treatment plans are tailored to stop infection, protect gum tissue, and restore long-term oral health.
Common periodontal treatments include:
  • highlight iconScaling & Root Planing – A deep cleaning that removes plaque and bacteria beneath the gums and smooths root surfaces to support healing.
  • highlight iconTissue Regeneration – Grafting materials or membranes that encourage new bone and gum growth where tissue has been lost.
  • highlight iconPocket Reduction Surgery – Reduces deep gum pockets and removes infected tissue to prevent bacteria buildup.
  • highlight iconDental Implants – Replace teeth lost to Periodontal Disease with strong, natural-looking restorations after appropriate bone preparation.
How Healthy Are Your Gums?
Healthy gums are firm, pink, and do not bleed easily. If you notice bleeding, swelling, sensitivity, or chronic bad breath, it may be an early warning sign of Periodontal (Gum) Disease. Identifying these signs early can prevent extensive treatment and protect your long-term oral health.
Consider this quick self-check:
  • highlight iconDo your gums bleed during brushing?
  • highlight iconIs there persistent bad breath?
  • highlight iconHave your gums started receding?
  • highlight iconDo your teeth feel loose or shifting?
  • highlight iconDo you notice tenderness or inflammation?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Protect your smile with expert care for Periodontal Disease in Virginia Beach—schedule your periodontal check at Kempsville Dental today!
Restore Your Gum Health—Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation Today!
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Map Marker1450 Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23464