What Is Periodontal Therapy and Why Is It Crucial for Gum Health?

When most people think about oral health, they focus on their teeth—but healthy gums are just as important. Your gums provide the foundation for your teeth, and when gum health is compromised, it can lead to serious problems such as tooth loss and systemic health issues. This is where periodontal therapy comes in.


What Is Periodontal Therapy?

Periodontal therapy refers to a range of treatments designed to prevent, manage, and reverse gum disease (periodontitis). Gum disease begins with plaque buildup, which causes inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). If left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that damages the supporting bone and tissues around your teeth.


Periodontal therapy targets these issues by:

Removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line.

Smoothing tooth roots to prevent future buildup.

Restoring gum health and halting disease progression.


Types of Periodontal Therapy

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): A non-surgical treatment that removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gums and smooths the root surfaces.

Antibiotic Therapy: Used to control infection and inflammation in the gums.

Surgical Treatments: For advanced cases, procedures such as flap surgery or bone grafting may be necessary to restore support to your teeth.


Why Is It Crucial for Gum Health?

Healthy gums are essential for:

Preventing Tooth Loss: Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Protecting Overall Health: Research links gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and even pregnancy complications.

Maintaining a Healthy Smile: Infected gums can cause bad breath, swelling, and bleeding—affecting both appearance and comfort.


How to Maintain Gum Health After Therapy

Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.

Schedule regular dental checkups and professional cleanings.

Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of gum disease.


Don’t wait until gum problems become severe. If you notice symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth, periodontal therapy could save your smile.


Schedule an appointment today at Rancho Bernardo Cosmetic & Family Dental Care.

📍 12405 Rancho Bernardo Rd, San Diego, CA 92128

📧 rbdentalcare@yahoo.com

Dr. John Mobilia, DMD 

Dr John, with over 30 years of experience. I went to the University of San Diego (USD) and received a bachelor's in chemistry. I earned my DMD graduating in the top 10% of my class from Boston University. I then continued on to a residency program in advanced education in general dentistry (AEDG) earning a certificate of advanced Dentistry (CAGS). I joined the Navy a year after finishing my residency. My Advanced degrees placed me in positions of higher responsibility and Leadership. After my honorable discharge , I practiced in the private sector in Tierrasanta for 13 years. Primarily caring to Navy families and their children.


 I then opened my own practice 13 years ago in Rancho Bernardo acquiring the most modern equipment available, while retaining that small town sense of individual attention, that seems to be lost in the corporate dental offices.

Dr. Julia Ng, DDS

Dr Ng, received her bachelors of science in Biology. She then received her DDS from University of the Pacific, San Francisco with high honors and an emphasis on general dentistry. She enjoys traveling and doing volunteer work. Her goal is to give back to the community that has given so much. She hopes to not only inspire her patients to have a healthier smile but to also lead healthier lives. Her free time is spent hiking, scuba diving and yoga. 

Nancy Vuong, RDH

Earned two AS Degrees in science at Mesa College, then completed the hygiene program at San Joaquin Valley College. She works full time as a dental hygienist and enjoys reading, hiking, running and outdoor activities with her two sons.