Gum Disease

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a serious oral health issue and often requires professional treatment. Residents of Seattle, Washington, rely on Seattle Crown Hill Dental for preventive and restorative care to keep gums as healthy as possible. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request one online today. 

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, develops when your gum tissue becomes inflamed and infected with bacteria. According to the CDC, nearly half of all American adults have some form of gum disease, and your risk level increases with age. 

Gingivitis

This is the earliest stage of gum disease. Gums become inflamed and tend to bleed easily. Most cases of gingivitis are reversible if you improve your dental hygiene routine. 

Periodontitis

This more advanced stage of gum disease develops when inflamed gum tissue begins to pull away from the surface of the teeth, creating small pockets where bacteria thrive. Periodontitis is a serious problem that requires professional intervention. 

Left untreated, gum disease can lead to a wide range of serious oral health issues. 

What kinds of problems can gum disease cause?

Your gums serve to help hold your teeth in place. More importantly, gum tissue also creates a barrier between your oral environment and your bloodstream. Everyone’s mouth has many different types of bacteria. 

Some of that bacteria are helpful, while other types are potentially harmful. When your gums become damaged, harmful bacteria can enter your body and cause a number of problems. Research shows a link between gum disease and numerous health issues, including:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Systemic inflammation
• Premature birth and congenital disabilities 

Gum disease also increases the risk of tooth loss. 

What treatments help with gum disease?

If your Seattle Crown Hill Dental dentist detects signs of gum disease, the first step involves helping you improve your at-home dental hygiene. You’ll learn the proper techniques for effective brushing and flossing, which can repair damage caused in the early stages of gum disease. 

A treatment called scaling and root planing can also help with gum disease. Your dentist uses handheld dental tools to manually remove plaque and bacteria from the areas of your teeth beneath the gumline. Smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth makes it more difficult for plaque to take hold. 

A special medicated rinse helps heal infected gum tissue. In some cases, oral antibiotics further support healing and improve adhesion between your teeth and gums. 

If you’d like more information or are concerned about your gum health, call Seattle Crown Hill Dental to schedule an exam. Online booking is also available.