You may not notice anything wrong at first, but periodontitis can have serious consequences if left untreated. If brushing or flossing causes your gums to turn red or bleed, if you’re noticing persistent bad breath, or if your teeth feel loose, periodontal gum therapy by a dentist at Seven Lakes Dental here in Marysville, WA, may be required.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a chronic infection of the gums and the tissue holding the teeth in place. It’s caused by bacteria that stick to the surface of the tooth and thrive in the soft gum tissue around the teeth. It can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and, if left untreated, eventual tooth loss.
How Is Periodontitis Treated?
At Seven Lakes Dental, periodontal therapy involves a few steps. First, we divide your mouth into four quadrants and clean each thoroughly to remove the plaque and calculus located below the gumline. This procedure can result in some discomfort, so we split the treatment over multiple visits and offer local anesthesia.
After your initial treatments, we recommend scheduling follow-up cleanings every three months. Because periodontal disease is a chronic infection, frequent cleanings are necessary as the bacteria repopulate. Contact Seven Lakes Dental in Marysville, WA, to schedule your follow-up cleaning.
Recognizing The Signs & Symptoms Of Gum Disease
Gum disease often progresses silently without causing severe discomfort in its initial stages. Recognizing early warning signs allows Dr. Brad A. Larreau and Dr. Steven Thomas to intervene before irreversible bone damage occurs. During routine digital x-rays and clinical examinations, our team carefully measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth to track changes over time.
You should consult our doctors if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Tender, swollen, or dark red gum tissue that bleeds easily during routine brushing and flossing.
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth that does not resolve with mouthwash.
- Receding gums that expose natural tooth roots, making your teeth appear noticeably longer.
- Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures caused by exposed root surfaces.
- Changes in your bite alignment or feeling as though your teeth shift when you chew food.
The Systemic Link: Protecting Your Total Health & Wellness
Research consistently demonstrates that oral health directly impacts systemic health. Chronic inflammation in your mouth allows oral bacteria to enter your bloodstream, which can contribute to inflammatory conditions throughout the rest of your body. Managing periodontitis is not just about saving your smile; it is a vital component of protecting your overall physical health.
Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to several systemic health conditions:
- Increased risk of heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke due to arterial inflammation.
- Greater difficulty controlling blood sugar levels for individuals living with diabetes.
- Higher incidence of respiratory infections caused by inhaling bacterial particles from the mouth.
- Complications during pregnancy, including low birth weight and premature delivery.
Advanced Maintenance & Preventive Care Options
To support your healing after deep cleanings, Dr. Larreau and Dr. Thomas offer targeted treatments designed to eliminate persistent bacteria. In addition to scaling and root planing, our practice utilizes customized home hygiene instruction to help keep harmful bacteria at bay.
Because our practice model prioritizes quality time over rushed appointments, we take the extra time needed to review proper flossing techniques, evaluate your progress, and tailor a long-term care strategy. If you lack dental insurance, no worries: our in-house loyalty program ensures that quarterly periodontal maintenance cleanings remain accessible and affordable for your family.
Reclaim Your Oral Health & Confidence At Seven Lakes Dental
Taking action against gum disease is the best way to safeguard your natural smile for a lifetime. Whether you are experiencing mild bleeding or require comprehensive periodontal maintenance, Dr. Brad A. Larreau, Dr. Steven Thomas, and our compassionate team are here to help you achieve a healthy foundation. Call our office today to schedule your periodontal evaluation and experience personalized, unhurried care.