Non-surgical gum treatment may be needed if the periodontium, the foundation of teeth structure gums, ligaments, and bone is unhealthy.

Signs of an unhealthy periodontium and gum disease are:
• gums that are red and bleed easily
• gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
• consistently bad breath
• loose or shifting teeth

With proper treatment the conditions that enable the periodontium to heal may be reestablished. The gum treatment may include a root planing deep cleaning, local anesthetic, and antibiotics. Untreated gum disease may lead to more extensive surgeries or tooth extraction.