What to Do if You Have Gum Disease in Roanoke, VA
If your gums bleed when you brush, feel tender, or look swollen, you may be dealing with gum disease. Also called periodontal disease, this common condition affects nearly half of American adults. The good news? When caught early, gum disease is treatable — and your Roanoke dentist, LAT Dentistry, can help you protect both your smile and your overall health.
Step 1: Recognize the Signs of Gum Disease
Early gum disease (gingivitis) often causes mild symptoms that are easy to ignore. Watch for:
Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Red, puffy, or tender gums
Bad breath that doesn’t go away
Receding gums or teeth that look “longer”
Loose or shifting teeth
If you notice one or more of these signs, don’t wait. Gum disease won’t go away on its own, and the longer it progresses, the harder it is to treat.
Step 2: Schedule a Dental Exam in Roanoke
The next step is to see a dentist as soon as possible. In Roanoke, most general dentists can diagnose and treat gum disease — and if your case is advanced, you may be referred to a periodontist (a gum specialist).
At your appointment, the dentist will:
Measure your gum pockets (spaces between the gums and teeth)
Take X-rays if needed to check bone health
Discuss your oral hygiene habits and medical history
Create a personalized treatment plan
Step 3: Understand Your Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how advanced the gum disease is:
Early stages (gingivitis): Professional cleaning + improved brushing and flossing can often reverse it.
Moderate gum disease: A “deep cleaning” (scaling and root planning, periodontal therapy) removes tartar and bacteria below the gumline.
Advanced gum disease: Additional therapies such as localized antibiotics, laser therapy, or gum surgery may be needed to save teeth and bone.
Step 4: Commit to Daily Home Care
No treatment can succeed without good home care. In between dental visits, make sure you:
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste; we prefer an electric toothbrush!
Floss once daily or use a water flosser; pro tip: add a capful of Stella Life rinse to the flosser!
Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse like Stella Life, Closys, or Therabreath. We advise AGAINST using most other brands on the market!
Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco, which worsens gum disease
Eat a balanced diet with less sugar and more fibrous vegetables and leafy greens.
We also recommend an oral probiotic like Probiora.
If you breathe with your mouth open, consider things to improve sinus hygiene like Xlear spray and mouth tape as open mouth breathing dries the mouth out and an worsen gum inflammation.
Step 5: Protect Your Overall Health
Gum disease isn’t just about your mouth. Studies link it to heart disease, diabetes, poor pregnancy outcomes, and even early onset dementia! By treating gum disease early, you’re not only saving your teeth — you’re supporting your whole-body health.
Finding Gum Disease Treatment in Roanoke, VA
If you think you may have gum disease, the best thing you can do is schedule an exam with a Roanoke dentist ASAP. Whether you’re in the city or surrounding areas like Salem, Vinton, or Botetourt County, there are caring providers ready to help restore your gums and your smile. LAT Dentistry is happy to see you and treat your oral health needs!
Bottom Line
Don’t ignore the warning signs. Gum disease is common, but it’s also preventable and treatable. If you’re in the Roanoke area and worried about your gums, make an appointment today — your smile (and your health) will thank you.