Periodontal Treatment
Do your gums bleed when you brush? Do you see it as a problem or dismiss it as being normal because it happens all the time?
Bleeding and swollen gums are not healthy and are often an early sign of gingivitis or gum disease. Gum health is crucial, and at North Seattle Smiles, we offer individualized periodontal treatment to combat it.
What Is Gum Disease?
Also called periodontal disease, this bacterial infection affects the gum tissues that hold your teeth in place. Some of the risk factors for gum disease are poor oral hygiene habits, smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, and certain medications.
However, gum disease is more than a dental concern—it's a significant health issue that may also affect your overall wellness. Significant research links periodontal disease with serious systemic disorders, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even low birthweight babies.
Symptoms of Gum Disease to Watch Out For
Gum disease is incredibly prevalent in the US, and recognizing its symptoms is key to preventing its progression. Common signs include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
Sometimes, these symptoms are subtle and may only be noticed by your dentist or hygienist during routine teeth cleanings. This is one of the many reasons why regular checkups at our Seattle dental office are crucial to maintaining a healthy smile.
How We Treat Gum Disease
Your dental needs are unique, and so is the care plan we develop to treat it.
Early Stage: Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is often detected by your dentist or hygienist during a routine checkup. It’s typically easy to reverse with a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar build-up. Successful gum disease treatment is not a one-and-done approach; however, it requires you to be proactive with at-home oral hygiene and establish healthier habits to prevent a recurrence.
Advanced Stage: Periodontitis Treatment
Untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontitis. At this stage, the infection spreads to the bone and tissue that holds your teeth in place. Without this support, teeth start to loosen and eventually may need to be removed.
We can prevent this with comprehensive periodontitis treatment, including a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing and laser periodontal therapy. Your hygienist carefully removes tartar from deep beneath the gums and smooths rough spots on the tooth roots to help prevent reinfection.
Unfortunately, periodontitis is not reversible; however, with ongoing treatment and a commitment on your part to diligent oral hygiene, we can minimize its risk.
Do You Have Gum Disease Symptoms?
If your gums bleed when you brush, or you notice other symptoms of gum disease, don't let fear of judgment stop you from seeking the care you need. North Seattle Smiles is a guilt-free zone, dedicated to helping you get back on track with your oral health.
Schedule your appointment today at our Seattle, WA, dental office by calling (206) 362-6116.
