An estimated 80% of American adults have some form of gum disease. It’s one of the most common oral health problems to exist, affecting over half the population in the United States. While it’s extremely prevalent, it’s also easily preventable. At Moreno & Young Dental, we have the skills and advanced techniques necessary to stop periodontal disease in its tracks. To learn more about this condition and how we can take care of it with gum disease treatment in Bellingham, continue reading or give our office a call today!
Commonly known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the gums and other tissues surrounding the teeth. It causes redness, inflammation, and even bleeding to occur when brushing or flossing.
Gum disease develops when there is plaque buildup on the teeth. When oral bacteria are left alone in the mouth, it forms plaque, which eventually hardens into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. Worse, the longer plaque and tartar exist on your teeth, the more harmful the bacteria become to your gums.
The good news is that gum disease can still be reversed in the early stages (gingivitis) with professional dental attention. If left to progress, it can spread beneath the gum line and create gum pockets that trap harmful bacteria and food particles. As a result, the infection can enter the bloodstream and leave you more vulnerable to health-related conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, neurological disorders, and respiratory disease.
You might already need periodontal therapy, especially if you have:
It only takes 24 hours for bacteria to become dangerous enough to cause gum disease. With our gum disease treatment options in Bellingham, we’ll remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. Let’s take a closer look at your available solutions:
Plaque buildup at and below the gum line leads to gum disease. One way we can help those who suffer from periodontal disease is to reduce the amount of plaque-producing bacteria present in the mouth. That’s why we often use Arestin antibiotic therapy as part of a periodontal therapy plan. This topical antibiotic can be placed following regular deep cleanings to keep teeth and gums healthier between periodontal maintenance appointments.
Don’t worry – there are many steps you can take to avoid gum disease or prevent it from coming back. Some of those include:
When plaque and bacteria build up beneath your gumline, it can cause inflammation and infection that put your smile—and your body—at risk. Scaling and root planing is a specialized gum disease treatment that can stop the process before it leads to permanent damage like tooth loss. At Moreno & Young Dental, we use advanced equipment and techniques to restore your gums to full health. If you’re curious about how it works or what’s involved, read more below.
The initial symptoms of gum disease can be hard to detect, leading many patients to wait until more severe issues appear to seek help. If your gums bleed easily when brushing, appear red or swollen, or pull away from your teeth, you may be showing signs of gum disease. Left untreated, this infection can lead to jawbone deterioration and even tooth loss.
Scaling and root planing is a powerful defense to stop gum disease in its early or moderate stages. When you see our Bellingham dental team, we’ll check your gums and recommend this treatment if deep cleaning is necessary to preserve your smile.
During scaling and root planing, our team will carefully remove plaque and tartar deposits from beneath your gums using precise techniques. Next, the root surfaces are smoothed to prevent bacteria from building up again and to help your gums reattach to your teeth.
The procedure is typically completed under local anesthesia for your comfort, and depending on the extent of the infection, may require one or two visits. With regular hygiene and professional cleanings afterward, your gums can heal and stay healthy for life.
Following your treatment, your gums may feel slightly tender or sensitive for a few days. To ease the ache, rinse gently with warm salt water, eat soft foods, and gently continue your oral care routine.
You should also avoid smoking, vaping, or drinking alcohol, as these activities can slow your healing. Most importantly, continue coming to scheduled follow-up visits at our Bellingham office, so we can monitor your recovery and keep gum disease from returning.
