Recognizing the Early and Advanced Symptoms of Gum Disease
If your gums are bleeding, tender, or seem to be pulling away from your teeth, it’s time to take your symptoms seriously. At Solid Bite in Melbourne, Florida, we provide professional periodontal care to help patients overcome gum disease and preserve their long-term oral health. Under the leadership of Dr. Lee Sheldon and Dr. Michel Furtado, our periodontist’s office offers both non-surgical and advanced treatments customized to your stage of periodontal disease.
Many patients put off seeking care because they don’t realize the signs of gum disease can start small. Left untreated, what begins as mild inflammation can progress into bone loss, loose teeth, and systemic health problems. If you’re searching for a periodontist near you who understands the urgency of periodontal care, call (321) 259-8000 to schedule your consultation at Solid Bite.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the tissues and bones supporting your teeth. It typically begins as gingivitis, marked by inflamed or bleeding gums, and can advance into periodontitis, where irreversible damage occurs. The bacteria involved release toxins that damage the soft tissue and destroy the jawbone, leading to tooth loss if not treated in time.
Gum disease is not just an oral health issue. It’s been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, and even complications during pregnancy. Early diagnosis and intervention at our Melbourne clinic can make the difference between managing gum health with simple cleanings and needing surgical intervention.
Common Signs You Need Periodontal Treatment
While symptoms may vary from person to person, here are the most common red flags that indicate a need for professional gum care:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Gum recession or teeth that appear longer
- Pain when chewing or sensitivity to temperature
- Loose or shifting teeth
If any of these signs sound familiar, reach out to Solid Bite by calling (321) 259- 8000 to explore your periodontal treatment options in Melbourne, FL.
Gum Recession: One of the First Red Flags
Receding gums aren’t just a cosmetic issue. They often indicate underlying gum inflammation or bone loss that requires professional gum recession treatment. When gums pull away from the teeth, they expose the roots, leading to increased sensitivity and vulnerability to decay. In many cases, gum recession can also lead to food getting trapped more easily, creating further inflammation and damage.
Our Melbourne periodontal office assesses gum recession carefully, using advanced imaging and laser diagnostics when needed. If caught early, treatment can often be managed with non-surgical techniques like scaling and root planning or regenerative procedures such as the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.
Why Your Gums Bleed—And Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
It might be tempting to brush off bleeding gums as a sign you’re brushing too hard, but persistent bleeding is usually a warning sign of inflammation. Gingivitis is the earliest form of periodontal disease and is entirely reversible if caught and treated promptly.
Bleeding gums happen when bacteria accumulate at the gumline and trigger the body’s immune response. Over time, this leads to tissue damage and potential bone loss. Our team at Solid Bite uses evidence-based techniques to stop the bleeding at its source and restore gum health before the condition worsens.
When Bad Breath Means More Than a Mint’s Problem
Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most common signs of periodontal disease. Unlike occasional bad breath caused by food, morning dryness, or coffee, periodontal-related halitosis is caused by decaying bacteria that settle below the gumline.
Solid Bite provides deep cleanings, antimicrobial therapies, and laser treatments that address the root of the problem rather than masking it. If you’ve noticed your breath hasn’t improved despite good hygiene habits, call (321) 259-8000 to schedule a full gum evaluation with one of our Melbourne periodontists.
Loose or Shifting Teeth Are an Emergency Sign
By the time gum disease causes teeth to loosen or shift, bone loss is already underway. Periodontitis breaks down the structures that support your teeth, and if not treated, this damage can result in tooth loss. It’s critical to take action immediately when you notice any mobility changes, changes in bite, or difficulty chewing.
At Solid Bite, we offer individualized treatment plans that may include bone grafting, gum regeneration, or periodontal surgery. The goal is always to save natural teeth when possible and prevent the need for extractions or implants.
Periodontal Treatment Options at Solid Bite
Our periodontists in Melbourne, FL, offer a range of periodontal treatments tailored to each patient’s stage of disease, lifestyle, and medical history. Dr. Sheldon and Dr. Furtado are committed to minimally invasive solutions backed by the latest in dental science.
Treatment options include:
- Scaling and root planing
- Laser gum therapy
- Pocket reduction surgery
- Regenerative procedures
- Dental implants for teeth lost to periodontal disease
- Gum grafts and pinhole procedures
- Maintenance therapy and supportive periodontal care
Our periodontal team also integrates services like medication management, individual therapy, and lifestyle counseling when gum disease is linked to stress, diet, or chronic illness.
Benefits of Early Periodontal Intervention
The sooner gum disease is treated, the greater your chances of avoiding complex or surgical procedures. Early intervention provides:
- Less invasive treatments
- Faster healing times
- Lower long-term costs
- Reduced risk of tooth loss
- Better systemic health outcomes
- Improved confidence and quality of life
Let our Melbourne periodontal team help you take the first step. Call (321) 259-8000 to schedule your personalized periodontal consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need periodontal treatment?
If you have bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth, you may have gum disease. A periodontal evaluation at Solid Bite can confirm the diagnosis.
What happens if periodontal disease goes untreated?
Untreated gum disease can lead to bone loss, tooth loss, and systemic health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Timely treatment prevents these outcomes.
Is periodontal treatment painful?
Modern techniques, including laser dentistry and gentle scaling, make treatment more comfortable than ever. Sedation options are also available when needed.
Can gum disease come back after treatment?
Yes, especially without proper oral hygiene and follow-up care. That’s why maintenance cleanings and regular checkups are a crucial part of long-term success.
Protect Your Smile With Periodontal Care at Solid Bite in Melbourne, FL
At Solid Bite, we believe no one should suffer the long-term effects of gum disease, especially when early intervention can make all the difference. Dr. Lee Sheldon and Dr. Michel Furtado bring decades of experience and innovative technology to every patient they treat.
If you’ve noticed any signs of gum disease or haven’t had a gum health evaluation in a while, now is the time to act. Let us help you protect your teeth, improve your breath, and maintain healthy gums for life.
Call (321) 259-8000 to schedule your appointment at our Melbourne office and begin your periodontal recovery with a team you can trust.