BY: STEPH NIGHTINGALE

Photo Credit Dr. Alex Hunter, Board-Certified Periodontist + Dr. Nana, Dentist 

Before all the fluff, let’s keep this super simple: (and exactly how I would explain it to my patients)... Dentists focus mainly on teeth. Periodontists focus mainly on gums (and the bone beneath them).

We use our teeth to grasp food, chew, speak, and smile. The bone in our jaw is what keeps our teeth in our head. Surrounding that bone are the gums, which also wrap around the roots of our teeth. Simple? Now let's layer on a bit more...

Gums are constantly in flux—going through different states of inflammation, health, dryness, aggression, you name it! When our gums flare up, get puffy, and start to accumulate debris, the bone underneath can be affected. In fact, that bone can shrink—or in some cases, rapidly deteriorate. Teeth can potentially become loose and those gaps or what we call 'pockets' under the gums can cause a nasty taste or foul odour in the mouth. And alas, that’s how tooth loss and bad breath happens. (At least, it’s one way).

In short, it doesn’t matter how white, straight, or “perfect” your teeth look—without healthy gums (and yes, healthy bone beneath them), your glamzilla smile isn’t all that great after all.

But the inverse is true too.

Crowded teeth can cause gum issues. Gums can appear swollen and puffy and bleed to touch, simply because they're harder to keep clean. Cavities, and old, worn fillings are magnets for plaque, which—yep—can contribute to gum issues. Gaps between teeth and broken teeth can trap food, and that, you guessed it, can also cause gum issues.

Lastly, stress factors like grinding or clenching don’t just wear down teeth or potentially cause issues with your jaw—they can also cause gum recession and even impact the bone beneath your gums.

See how it’s all related? And yet, we often keep these two entities totally separate. Honestly, having both a dentist and a periodontist on your oral care team? Kind of the perfect scenario, IMO.

Everyone wants a healthy smile—but oral health goes deeper than just white teeth. While surface stains from coffee or wine are easy to spot, what’s happening beneath the gum-line often goes unnoticed. That’s where the distinction between your general dentist and a periodontist becomes essential. Both play a role in your smile—but for very different reasons.

Think of your general dentist as your mouth’s primary care provider. They’re the ones you see for regular cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and overall checkups. Their job is to prevent problems before they start, and to maintain the full picture—teeth, bite, and smile included.

They’ll recommend tools that support daily hygiene: your brush, your floss (if you’re committed), and your Stimmie—especially for around the gumline, under implants, fixed appliances, and the no-brainer, after meals before popping your invisalign trays back on. 

These small, daily rituals can dramatically impact gum recovery and maintenance around beautiful new cosmetic work, and especially beneficial for patients managing gum disease or recovering from surgeries.

In a nutshell, your general dentist lays the groundwork. Your periodontist protects the foundation. Together, they work to keep your mouth healthy, strong, and intact for life.

"Having worked in both general dental practices and periodontal specialty practices, I've seen problems and listened to patient pain points first hand. And that’s where Stimmie comes in—bridging everyday wellness with professional-grade care." - Steph

At the end of the day, a bright smile is only as strong as what’s supporting it. While your general dentist keeps your teeth in check, your periodontist and dental hygienist ensures the foundation—your gums and bone—stay healthy, too. Together, they create the full picture of oral wellness. Knowing who does what (and when to see them) gives you more control over your care—and more confidence which is always an added bonus.

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The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice and in-person consultation. It is provided with the understanding that STIM MIE INC. ("Stimmie") is not engaged in the provision or rendering of dental advice or services. Although monitored and written in collaboration with licensed dental professionals, the opinions and content included in these articles are general and not patient-specific. You understand and agree that Stimmie shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon, any content or information in our written materials.

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