01 Primary driver
Plaque & Tartar Buildup
Plaque hardens into tartar within 24-72 hours. Tartar harbors bacteria and cannot be removed by brushing — only professional scaling reaches it. Without that, inflammation and bone loss progress.
Gum Disease / Periodontal Disease
Stop gum disease before it costs you a tooth.
Gingivitis is reversible. Periodontitis is not — but it can be halted. We measure pocket depth, treat the bacteria, and protect what's still healthy.
Free 15-minute phone consult · Mon · Tue · Thu 7am – 4pm · Wed 10am – 7pm
- Dr. Teah Nguyen, DDS — practice in Berkeley since 1996
- Periodontal probing & bacterial assessment
- Most PPO insurance accepted
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Teah Nguyen, DDS
At a glance
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that destroys gum and bone tissue around the teeth. Early-stage gingivitis is fully reversible; advanced periodontitis can be halted but not reversed. It is a leading cause of adult tooth loss and chronic bad breath.
- Reversible?
- Gingivitis: yes. Periodontitis: halt-only.
- Severity
- Leading cause of adult tooth loss
- First step
- Periodontal probing + radiographs
Understanding Periodontal Disease
What gum disease actually is
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It progresses through stages: gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums — fully reversible) and periodontitis (gum recession, deep pockets, bone loss — halt-only).
The same anaerobic bacteria that drive periodontal disease produce volatile sulfur compounds — the gases responsible for chronic halitosis. Patients often come in for one and discover they need treatment for both.
Risk multiplies with smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, certain medications, and family history. Good news: even advanced cases respond to treatment when caught before extensive bone loss.
Photo: Anish Kumar / Unsplash Periodontal probing measures what the eye cannot — the depth of the pockets where bacteria actually live.
Why It Happens
What drives periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is bacterial. The factors below either feed the bacteria, weaken the body's response, or both.
02
Inconsistent Hygiene
Skipped flossing, rushed brushing, and missed cleanings let bacteria establish below the gumline where toothbrushes cannot reach.
03
Smoking & Tobacco
Tobacco impairs blood flow to the gums, masks bleeding (so disease is missed), and significantly worsens periodontal outcomes. Smokers respond more slowly to treatment.
04
Diabetes & Systemic Illness
Uncontrolled diabetes accelerates bone loss; the relationship is bidirectional — gum infection also worsens blood-sugar control. Coordinated care matters.
05
Genetics & Age
Some patients inherit a more aggressive inflammatory response to oral bacteria. Risk also rises with cumulative exposure as we age.
06
Diet, Stress & Hydration
High-sugar diets feed bacteria, chronic stress suppresses immune response, and dehydration reduces saliva — all small contributors that compound when combined.
Photo: Shedrack Salami / Unsplash Scaling and root planing removes the bacterial deposits below the gumline that no toothbrush can reach.
Your Visit
What happens at your periodontal exam
- 0110 min
History & risk review
Medical history, medications, and risk factors — smoking, diabetes, family history, prior periodontal work.
- 0215 min
Periodontal probing
Pocket depths measured around every tooth. Bleeding points and recession are mapped to identify active disease vs. stable areas.
- 0310 min
Radiographs & bone-level review
Bitewings and any indicated CBCT to evaluate bone loss and identify areas needing surgical or regenerative intervention.
- 0415 min
Treatment plan
Staging and grading per AAP guidelines, with a written plan covering scaling, antimicrobials, surgery if needed, and maintenance interval.
- 0510 min
First-stage treatment
When indicated, we begin scaling the same day so improvement starts immediately rather than waiting weeks for a second appointment.
Most patients who lose teeth to gum disease never had pain. The bone is already gone by the time it hurts. The job is to find it before it gets that far.
Patient stories
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“Dr. Dailley did a gum graft for me — very gentle and put me at ease. He checked up on me numerous times during recovery. I now have a healthier, beautiful smile.”
— Bonnie G.
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“Dr. Teah took over the practice. She is excellent — caring, considerate, and very professional.”
— Diana A., Berkeley
Frequently asked questions
What is the earliest sign of gum disease?
Bleeding when brushing or flossing — even occasionally. Healthy gums do not bleed. Early gingivitis also presents as red, slightly swollen gums; both are fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care within 2 weeks.
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis is fully reversible. Periodontitis is not — bone loss and attachment loss are permanent. However, periodontitis can be halted with proper treatment, and the gum tissue can stabilize. Catching the transition between the two is the highest-leverage moment in treatment.
Can gum disease cause bad breath?
Yes. The same anaerobic bacteria that drive periodontal disease produce volatile sulfur compounds — the molecules responsible for chronic halitosis. Treating the gum infection often resolves the breath issue at the same time.
How is gum disease treated?
Treatment starts with a clinical exam and probing. Most cases require scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning below the gumline), improved home care, and antimicrobial rinses. Advanced cases may need surgery, gum grafting, or regenerative procedures to restore bone and tissue.
How often should I see the dentist if I have gum disease?
Patients with active or treated periodontal disease usually need maintenance visits every 3-4 months rather than every 6. The shorter interval matters because the bacteria recolonize quickly between visits.