Oral Inflammation

Gums that are swollen, red, or tender aren’t just irritated—they’re trying to tell you something. Oral inflammation in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA is often the first sign that harmful bacteria have started to disrupt the balance in your mouth. And while it might seem like a minor issue at first, letting it go untreated can open the door to more serious conditions—like gum disease and bone loss.

As periodontists at Lee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics, our job is to recognize these early warning signs and act quickly—before things progress. Because when it comes to inflammation, early treatment doesn’t just save your smile. It can protect your long-term health, too.

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What Causes Oral Inflammation?

Your mouth is a high-traffic zone for bacteria. When daily brushing and flossing aren’t enough—or when plaque hardens into tartar—bacteria begin irritating the gums. The immune system responds by flooding the area with cells to fight the infection, triggering inflammation.

This is the body’s natural defense—but when it lingers, it causes more harm than good. Chronic inflammation breaks down gum tissue, creates deeper pockets around the teeth, and eventually begins to erode the jawbone.

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Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs

Not all symptoms are obvious, and some people may not feel pain until significant damage has occurred.

Keep an eye out for these early red flags:

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath or a metallic taste in the mouth
• Puffiness or redness along the gumline
• Sensitivity when chewing or brushing
• Gums that look shiny or appear to be pulling away from the teeth

The sooner we catch these signs, the easier—and less invasive—treatment will be.

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Why Inflammation Affects More Than Just Your Mouth

Here’s what many people don’t realize: oral inflammation doesn’t stay put. Bacteria from gum infections can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. That’s why researchers have found strong links between chronic oral inflammation and health problems such as:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes complications
• Respiratory infections
• Preterm birth risks
• Autoimmune flare-ups

By treating gum inflammation early, you're not only preserving your smile—you’re reducing your overall inflammatory burden, which can benefit your entire body.

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How We Treat Oral Inflammation

Every case of gum inflammation is different, so our treatment plans are based on your specific needs. During your appointment, we’ll evaluate your gums, measure any pocket depths, and identify areas where inflammation is active.

Treatment options may include:

• Professional dental cleanings to remove irritants above and below the gumline
• Deep cleaning procedures (scaling and root planing) to smooth root surfaces and promote healing
• Localized antimicrobials or antibiotics to target bacteria in inflamed areas
• Laser therapy to gently remove infected tissue with minimal discomfort
• Customized home care routines to support long-term gum health

Our goal is to stop inflammation in its tracks and create an environment where your gums can repair themselves naturally.

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Prevention Is Always Easier Than Repair

Here’s the good news: gum inflammation is reversible in its early stages. But once it progresses into full-blown periodontitis, the treatment becomes more complex. That’s why we encourage patients to act as soon as symptoms appear—or better yet, come in for regular checkups to catch it before symptoms start.
A few small changes today can save you from bigger issues tomorrow.

Is your mouth showing signs of inflammation?

Don’t wait until it turns into something more serious. Schedule a consultation with one of our periodontal teams in Cupertino CA and San Francisco CA and get the care your gums need to stay healthy, comfortable, and strong for years to come.