Gum health & periodontal guides
If you are worried about your gums, it helps to start with clear, simple information. These guides explain common periodontal terms, what care may involve, and how to compare licensed periodontists near you.
The stages of gum disease, explained
Gingivitis, early, moderate, and advanced periodontitis — what changes at each stage, what is reversible, and when to see a periodontist. Plain-language, educational only.
Open GuidesWhat is a periodontist?
How a periodontist differs from a general dentist, what they treat, when you would be referred to one, and how to find a licensed gum specialist near you.
Open GuidesSigns and symptoms of gum disease
Bleeding, swollen, or receding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and the early warning signs of gum disease — and which symptoms mean you should be seen sooner.
Open GuidesWhere the cost of gum treatment goes
Exams, X-rays, deep cleaning, surgery, grafts, implants, and maintenance — the line items that make up periodontal care, so you can read an estimate with open eyes.
Open GuidesQuestions to ask a periodontist before treatment
Credentials, the diagnosis, the plan, alternatives, costs, and recovery — the questions that help you choose a periodontist and understand your care.
Open GuidesDoes dental insurance cover gum treatment?
How dental and medical insurance usually handle deep cleaning, surgery, grafts, and implants, what 'medically necessary' can mean, and how to check your coverage. General information, not advice.
Open GuidesGum disease and your overall health
What research says about the links between gum disease and conditions like diabetes and heart disease, in plain language — and why treating your gums matters. Educational only.
Open GuidesHow to choose a periodontist you can trust
License and specialty training, experience, a clear plan, honest costs, and the red flags to watch for when choosing a gum specialist.
Open GuidesHow Much Does a Deep Cleaning Cost?
How Much Does a Deep Cleaning Cost? — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesHow Much Does a Gum Graft Cost?
How Much Does a Gum Graft Cost? — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesHow Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?
How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost? — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesCan Gum Disease Be Reversed?
Can Gum Disease Be Reversed? — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesDeep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning
Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesWhat to Expect After a Gum Graft
What to Expect After a Gum Graft — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesHow to Slow or Stop Gum Recession
How to Slow or Stop Gum Recession — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesBleeding Gums — When to Worry
Bleeding Gums — When to Worry — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesAre Loose Teeth a Sign of Gum Disease?
Are Loose Teeth a Sign of Gum Disease? — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesTreating Gum Disease Without Surgery
Treating Gum Disease Without Surgery — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesHow Long Does Gum Graft Healing Take?
How Long Does Gum Graft Healing Take? — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesDental Implant vs Bridge — How to Decide
Dental Implant vs Bridge — How to Decide — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesWhat Is Peri-Implantitis?
What Is Peri-Implantitis? — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesScaling and Root Planing Recovery
Scaling and Root Planing Recovery — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesHow Often Should You See a Periodontist?
How Often Should You See a Periodontist? — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesWhat Causes Receding Gums?
What Causes Receding Gums? — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesGum Disease During Pregnancy
Gum Disease During Pregnancy — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesSmoking and Gum Disease
Smoking and Gum Disease — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesDiabetes and Gum Disease
Diabetes and Gum Disease — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesHow to Prepare for Periodontal Surgery
How to Prepare for Periodontal Surgery — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesDental Bone Graft Explained
Dental Bone Graft Explained — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesLaser Gum Treatment — What to Know
Laser Gum Treatment — What to Know — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesWays to Pay for Gum Treatment
Ways to Pay for Gum Treatment — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
Open GuidesYour First Visit to a Periodontist
Your First Visit to a Periodontist — a plain-language guide for people learning about gum health and periodontal care. Educational information, free periodontist matching.
OpenGet matched with a licensed periodontist — free
Tell us what's going on with your gums and your area. We connect you, at no cost, with licensed periodontists near you. You compare and choose who to see. We never collect medical histories.