How Is Gum Disease Treated? A Holistic Expert Explains
Gum disease is more than a dental problem—it’s a whole-body health concern.
As a periodontist at Total Care Dental & Wellness, I’ve seen how gum disease can impact not just your smile, but your:
Energy
Immune system
Heart health
Fortunately, there are powerful, natural ways to treat and even reverse gum disease when caught early. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how gum disease is diagnosed and treated in a way that supports your whole-body wellness.
How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed?
Wellness Visits: Your First Line of Defense
At Total Care Dental, we perform a comprehensive gum health evaluation at every “wellness visit.”
We gently measure the depth of the gum pockets using a small, specialized probe. Here’s what we’re looking for:
Healthy pockets: 2–3 mm
Early warning sign: deeper than 3 mm
Deeper pockets indicate inflammation or periodontal disease.
The Role of Digital Imaging
If we find deeper pockets, we use a low-dose 3D dental X-ray (CBCT) to check for bone loss. Bone loss means the infection has already affected the underlying structures—and needs prompt treatment.
Symptoms of Gum Disease to Watch For
Bleeding gums
Swollen or purplish gums
Bad breath
Receding gums
Loose or sensitive teeth
Gum pockets deeper than 3mm
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s time for a professional evaluation.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
We believe in a comprehensive, minimally invasive approach that works with your body—not against it.
1. Deep Cleaning: Scaling and Root Planing
This is often the first step in gum disease treatment. It removes plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gum line.
Our hygienists use:
Traditional hand tools
Ultrasonic instruments
Removing buildup allows your gums to heal and reattach to the tooth root.
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2. Laser Cleaning and Disinfection
Laser therapy is an advanced, non-surgical way to eliminate bacteria. It helps:
Kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria
Stimulate new tissue growth
Regenerate collagen and bone
Seal treated areas to prevent reinfection
It’s gentle, effective, and supports your body’s natural healing.
3. Ozone Therapy
Ozone is nature’s powerful antimicrobial.
We use ozone in gas or liquid form to:
Disinfect deep gum pockets
Reduce bleeding and inflammation
Promote soft tissue healing
It can reach microscopic areas without side effects.
4. Gum Irrigation with Natural Solutions
After deep cleaning, we irrigate the gum pockets with herbal and mineral-rich rinses—like our Remineralizing + Gum Health Mouthwash.
This soothes tissues and supports regeneration, without harsh chemicals.
5. Nutritional Support and Supplementation
Your gums need nutrients to heal. We often recommend:
Vitamins A, D3, K2, C
Diet changes to support healing
Gum disease isn’t just bacterial—inflammation and nutrient deficiencies matter, too.
Advanced Treatments for Severe Cases
Flap Surgery
Lifts the gums to:
Clean root surfaces
Repair bone damage
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Places a biocompatible membrane to help your body regrow lost bone and gum tissue.
Bone Grafting & Soft Tissue Grafts
We can rebuild lost bone or gums using:
Your own tissue
Donated or synthetic bone
Dentist vs. Periodontist: Who Should Treat Your Gums?
General dentists treat mild to moderate gum disease. Advanced or complex cases? You need a periodontist—a specialist in gum disease diagnosis and treatment.
At Total Care Dental & Wellness, I offer surgical expertise combined with a biological, whole-body approach.
Preventing Gum Disease Naturally
Stay proactive with these daily habits:
Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush
Use floss or interdental brushes
Rinse with a natural, remineralizing mouthwash
Avoid smoking and reduce stress
Keep up with routine dental visits
My Recommended Mouthwash for Gum Health
If your gums need extra support, I highly recommend the Remineralizing + Gum Health Mouthwash from Living Well with Dr. Michelle.
It includes:
Hydroxyapatite for enamel rebuilding
PROtektinâ„¢ Prebiotic Complex for oral microbiome balance
Soothing herbs: calendula, marshmallow, chamomile
Colloidal silver for gentle antimicrobial action
Fresh mint for long-lasting freshness
It’s fluoride-free, alcohol-free, and safe for daily use.
Try it today for healthier gums and a fresher smile.
Order Now →
Schedule Your Comprehensive Wellness Exam
Early diagnosis and personalized, holistic treatment are the keys to reversing gum disease and protecting your health.
Don’t wait. Schedule your new patient exam today to take the first step toward a healthier mouth—and a healthier you.
Dr. David Mishler
Periodontist and Clinical Director at Total Care Dental & Wellness
Dr. David Mishler brings a rare combination of surgical precision, artistic vision, and whole-body wellness expertise to Total Care Dental. After earning his dental degree from the University of the Pacific, he launched and led successful practices in Alaska before pursuing advanced surgical training in periodontal surgery at NYU. His passion for restoring health at the root level led him to specialize in gum regeneration, implant dentistry, and bone reconstruction using biologic, non-toxic methods.
Now as Clinical Director of the surgical department at Total Care Dental & Wellness, Dr. Mishler blends cutting-edge periodontal care with a holistic approach to healing. He is certified in laser therapy, ozone therapy, and advanced grafting techniques, and is deeply committed to helping patients reclaim both their oral and systemic health through minimally invasive, biologically sound treatments.
