Gum disease affects nearly half of adults over 30, yet many don't realize they have it. At Cape Fear Smiles in Wilmington, we regularly see patients who are shocked to learn they’re showing early signs of periodontal disease. Why? Because gum disease doesn’t always come with pain—and the most common symptoms are often dismissed as "normal."

As a trusted part of the Wilmington family dentistry community, our goal is to educate patients before irreversible damage sets in. Knowing what to look for can make all the difference.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a progressive infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It starts as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and, if untreated, advances to periodontitis—where the infection spreads beneath the gumline and damages the bone.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth daily. When plaque isn’t removed properly, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and triggers inflammation.

Subtle Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people expect pain when something’s wrong in their mouth. But gum disease often progresses silently. Here are the warning signs you might miss:

• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath or a metallic taste
• Puffy, red, or shiny gums
• Gums that feel tender to the touch
• Teeth that look longer due to gum recession
• Slight tooth mobility or sensitivity
• A change in how your bite feels

If you notice any of these symptoms—even occasionally—it’s time to schedule a professional exam. Catching gum disease early is the best way to avoid long-term complications.

The Link Between Gum Health and Your Body

What happens in your mouth doesn’t stay there. Research continues to show strong links between untreated gum disease and health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, and pregnancy complications.

Our dental team takes a whole-health approach to care. By addressing inflammation in the mouth early, we’re not just protecting your smile—we’re supporting your entire well-being.

Risk Factors You Might Not Know About

Even people who brush and floss daily can be at risk for gum disease. Some lesser-known contributors include:

• Hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy or menopause)
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Medications that cause dry mouth
• Family history of periodontal problems
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Poor diet or vitamin deficiencies

At Cape Fear Smiles, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every patient’s lifestyle and health history are unique, and we tailor care to meet your individual risk factors.

What If You Ignore It?

Left untreated, gum disease doesn’t just lead to bad breath—it can result in gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. The supporting bone tissue deteriorates, and patients may eventually require extractions, bone grafts, or dental implants to restore function.

We’ve worked with many patients who initially delayed treatment, thinking it was “just a little bleeding,” only to discover they needed more complex restorative work later on. Don’t wait until it’s too late—prevention is far less invasive (and costly) than repair.

Pediatric Gum Health: Start Early

Gum disease isn’t just an adult issue. Children and teens can develop gingivitis, especially if they’re wearing braces, skipping flossing, or dealing with hormonal changes. As a leading pediatric dentist in Wilmington NC, we provide gentle, age-appropriate care to help kids and teens develop strong oral health habits from the start.

Routine cleanings and early education help prevent gum problems before they begin—setting your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

How We Treat Gum Disease at Cape Fear Smiles

We begin with a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, checking pocket depths, bone levels, and gum tissue health. If early signs are present, we may recommend a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria beneath the gums.

In moderate to advanced cases, we may use localized antibiotics, recommend soft-tissue laser therapy, or discuss long-term management strategies to stop the disease from progressing. Rest assured, our team makes every procedure comfortable and informative.

We also work with patients to understand how their dental insurance may cover periodontal services. We’re happy to review your dental insurance in our Wilmington office and make care accessible through personalized financial planning.

Prevention Tips That Actually Work

Keeping your gums healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are five essential habits we recommend:

1. Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
2. Floss daily—yes, it really matters
3. Use antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria
4. Eat a nutrient-rich diet, focusing on whole foods
5. Visit your dentist twice a year, even if everything feels fine

Preventive care is the foundation of our approach to Wilmington family dentistry—and we’re here to support you at every stage of life.