Gum Disease Awareness

Pain or swelling in your gums or even a loose tooth could be signs of gum disease and should not go untreated. 

Did you know that more than half of all American adults have some form of periodontal disease (gum disease)?

And this increases to over 70% in adults aged 65 and older.

Although the team at Avalon Family Dentistry believes that periodontal disease is largely a matter of predisposition, this does not mean that brushing, flossing or going to the dentist should be neglected.

It means that even a person with impeccable oral care can suffer from periodontal disease.

One of the largest problems with this disease is that people are unaware they have it.

Would you know if you had periodontal disease?

Considering this question, we will examine some issues/symptoms related to this oft-ignored disease.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. It’s a disease quickly accelerated by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque to build up.

Left untreated, it can lead to the following:

• sore gums
• bleeding gums
• painful chewing
• tooth loss

Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can protect against this serious condition.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• chronic bad breath 
• red or swollen gums
• tender or bleeding gums
• painful chewing
• loose teeth
• sensitive teeth
• receding gums or longer-appearing teeth

Periodontal disease is a silent disease

As we mentioned above, this disease is largely ignored. One of the challenges we are experiencing in combatting periodontal disease is the SILENCE of the medical profession. This was touched on in our January Blog!

YOU are the best advocate for your health! We encourage patients to ask questions, hold medical professionals accountable, and insist on thorough work. We believe all patients should be heard and have their concerns addressed. 

Our mouth is the gateway to the rest of our body

This makes periodontal disease a SYSTEMIC disease, not isolated. Periodontal disease is NOT a disease that can be cured but can be managed and controlled.

At Avalon Family Dentistry, we are as proactive yet conservative as possible. We look at surgical intervention as a last resort.

Diagnosis

Dr. Hannah and Dr. Lee will assess your gum health with full periodontal pocket charting.

This will involve the following:

• examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation
• check for and measure any pockets around the teeth
• identify conditions or risk factors that may contribute to gum disease
• take an X-ray to see whether there is any bone loss

Treatment

The main goal of treatment is to control the infection depending on the extent of the gum disease.

We use non-surgical therapy on patients with mild to moderate periodontal disease.

• “Deep cleaning” or “root planing and scaling.”
  Our hygienist will administer a local anesthetic that lets you feel completely comfortable. They will then remove all the bacteria, build-up, and inflamed tissue from your gums.
• Reducing the Ph level in your mouth
  Actively monitoring the chemicals and additives in your diet.
• A two-part treatment rinse
  This is usually used for between three to six months.

Final thought

The word that keeps getting glossed over is DISEASE!

It is called periodontal disease for a reason.

Our goal at Avalon Family Dentistry is to partner with each of our patients and to help them be as healthy as possible.

If you have questions or concerns about your periodontal health, please let us know at your next appointment! Or call today for an appointment.

We are on Federal Way, WA, and welcome patients from neighboring areas.