Dr. Peter Patellis in Kennett Square, PA, Explains How to Protect Your Smile from Hidden Gum Problems
Gum disease is one of the most common—but least understood—oral health conditions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 47% of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. In adults over 65, that number rises to over 70%. Gum diseases refer to a group of conditions that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
At Kennett Center for Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Peter Patellis helps patients protect their smiles from gum inflammation, bone loss, and the long-term risks of periodontal disease. Serving patients across Kennett Square, Avondale, Oxford, and Wilmington, our dental team provides comprehensive gum care and education to help you recognize early warning signs and prevent serious complications. A dentist or dental hygienist plays a key role in diagnosing and managing gum diseases, offering guidance on effective at-home oral hygiene and recommending professional treatments when necessary.
If you’ve noticed bleeding gums or changes in your smile, call our Kennett Square dental office at 610-444-6311 or book your appointment online today. The American Dental Association recommends regular dental checkups and proper oral hygiene to help prevent gum disease and maintain optimal oral health.
Why Gum Disease Is So Common—and Often Missed
Gum disease typically develops silently. In its early stages, known as the early stage of gum disease or gingivitis, it may only cause mild swelling or bleeding during brushing. The symptoms of gum disease can be subtle or easily missed, often including redness, swelling, bleeding, or discomfort. But without treatment, it can advance to periodontitis—a condition that destroys the bone and tissues supporting your teeth if left untreated.
The biggest reason gum disease is so widespread? It’s painless at first. By the time patients notice symptoms like gum recession or loose teeth, significant damage may already have occurred.
Common causes include:
- Infrequent brushing and flossing
- Poor oral hygiene
- Missed dental cleanings
- Plaque buildup and tartar buildup below the gumline
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Poor nutrition or dry mouth
- Hormonal changes and certain medications
Fortunately, gum disease is highly preventable—and treatable—when detected early.
Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Many patients assume their gums are healthy as long as they’re not in pain, but even subtle symptoms can signal early gum disease. Watch for:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Swollen gums, which may also be tender or red
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Gums that pull away from the teeth (recession)
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in bite or how your affected teeth fit together
If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, it’s time to schedule a periodontal evaluation. Our Kennett Square dentist can assess your gum health using advanced imaging and gentle probing to determine if inflammation or infection is present.
The Hidden Health Risks of Gum Disease
Gum disease isn’t just a dental problem—it’s a systemic one. Research shows a strong connection between periodontal inflammation and conditions such as:
- Systemic diseases (including but not limited to the following)
- Coronary artery disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Stroke
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Pregnancy complications
The inflammation caused by gum infection can affect your entire body, not just your mouth. That’s why treating and preventing gum disease is essential not only for your smile, but for your long-term overall health.
What Patients Want Most from Gum Disease Treatment
At Kennett Center for Advanced Dentistry, our patients often tell us they want gum care that’s:
- Comfortable: We use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to ensure gentle cleanings and periodontal treatments. Many patients prefer nonsurgical treatments to treat gum disease whenever possible.
- Effective: Our deep cleaning treatments (scaling and root planing) remove bacteria from beneath the gumline and promote healing. For advanced cases, surgical treatments may be necessary to repair damage and restore gum health.
- Personalized: Every mouth is different. Dr. Patellis customizes treatment plans based on your gum depth, bone levels, and risk factors.
- Preventive: We focus on education and maintenance to prevent gum issues from recurring.
Our goal is to help patients understand their gum health and take practical steps to treat gum disease and protect it—without fear or discomfort.
How Professional Treatment Helps Stop Gum Disease
Even with the best brushing and flossing habits, bacteria can accumulate beneath the gumline where toothbrushes can’t reach. That’s where professional care makes the difference.
Dr. Patellis and our team may recommend:
- Comprehensive periodontal exams using digital imaging to measure gum health
- Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove plaque from tooth surfaces and smooth root surfaces, which is essential for removing plaque and tartar that contribute to periodontal disease
- Topical or oral antibiotics to control bacterial infection and reduce infection as part of your periodontal treatment
- Regular periodontal maintenance visits to keep gums healthy long-term
For advanced cases, we offer restorative options like dental implants, crown lengthening, and a range of regenerative procedures to rebuild and strengthen your smile’s foundation. These include bone and tissue regeneration, bone grafts, bone grafting, guided tissue regeneration, and soft tissue grafts to address lost bone and restore gum health.
How Gum Disease Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing gum disease begins with a thorough examination of your teeth and gums by a dental hygienist or dentist. During your visit, your dental professional will carefully assess the health of your gum tissues, looking for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or changes in gum attachment. Using a small, gentle probe, they will measure the depth of the spaces—called periodontal pockets—between your teeth and gums. Deeper pockets can indicate the presence and severity of periodontal disease.
In addition to this clinical exam, your dentist may take digital X-rays to check for bone loss around your teeth, which is a key indicator of advanced gum disease. They will also review your medical and dental history to identify any risk factors that could affect your oral health.
All of this information helps your dental team determine the stage of gum disease and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Early and accurate diagnosis is the first step toward restoring healthy gums and protecting your smile for the long term.
Daily Habits That Keep Gums Healthy
Healthy gums require consistency. Dr. Patellis recommends:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque from the tooth surface
- Flossing every day to remove plaque between teeth
- Using an antibacterial mouth rinse
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Eating a diet rich in leafy greens, vitamin C, and omega-3s
- Seeing your dentist every six months (or more often if you have gum issues)
These small habits, including making sure to brush your teeth daily, help clean the tooth surface, prevent periodontal disease, and support a healthy mouth. Combined with regular professional cleanings, they significantly reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
Gum Health and Smile Confidence
Healthy gums do more than prevent tooth loss—they enhance the overall appearance of your smile. Red, swollen, or receding gums can make teeth appear longer or uneven. Restoring gum health can dramatically improve both comfort and confidence, especially when combined with cosmetic treatments such as:
- Professional teeth whitening
- Veneers
- Dental bonding or dental crowns
- Gum contouring for balance and symmetry, which reshapes the gum tissue to create a more attractive gum line.
Healthy connective tissue is also essential for supporting gum structure and maintaining the aesthetics of your smile.
At Kennett Center for Advanced Dentistry, we take an integrated approach—combining preventive, restorative, and aesthetic care to help you achieve a truly healthy, radiant smile.
Schedule Your Periodontal Disease Evaluation in Kennett Square Today
If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning—or you’ve noticed bleeding or tenderness in your gums—it’s time to take action. Gum disease doesn’t get better on its own, but with early treatment, you can stop it in its tracks.
Call our Kennett Square dentist at 610-444-6311 today or book online to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve patients from Kennett Square, Avondale, Oxford, Wilmington, and nearby communities. Let’s make your next dental visit one you can finally feel good about.