Periodontal Disease Treatment in Edmonds

Know the Facts About Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as “Gum Disease,” refers to the two main diseases affecting the areas around the teeth. While the disease may be confined to the mouth, its effect may not be: Research has uncovered a relationship between gum health and general health. The good news is, with your active participation, Gum Disease can be successfully treated and managed.

What is Gum Disease?

Gingivitis: inflammation of the gums, caused by normal bacteria in the mouth.

• Present in majority of the population and reversible with proper daily home care.
• Gingivitis does not cause damage to surrounding tooth structures nor does it cause bone or tooth loss. The associated inflammation is a general health concern.

Periodontics: infection of structures around a tooth, including the bone.

• Damage is caused by the immune system. As the immune system fights your gum infection, it also destroys the surrounding structures of the teeth resulting in tooth loss.

What are the dangers of Gum Disease?

• Inflammation in the body is a significant factor associated with chronic diseases related to aging (heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease). The mouth is a significant source of inflammation when gum disease is present.
• Risk factors increasing the potential for tooth loss from gum disease: tobacco use, diabetes, a family history of gum disease, arthritis, are post-menopausal, osteoporosis, stress and obesity.
• Left untreated, gum disease: increases the risk for: heart disease, diabetes, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, premature birth

How to recognize and detect Gum Disease

• Gum disease is generally not painful – many suffer from it without knowing they have it.
• Measuring the depth of your gum pockets correlates to how healthy your gums are.
• Bleeding is an indicator of active gum disease. Healthy gums should not bleed, appear swollen or be painful.
• X-rays can reveal any bone loss around your teeth as a result of gum disease.

How to fight back against Gum Disease

• It requires a team effort between your dentist, hygienist and YOU to control gum disease. It cannot becured; however gum disease can be treated and managed successfully
  with your active participation. Diligent daily care of your gums and teeth are up to you.
• Once treated for gum disease, maintenance visits every 3-4 months will be your key to continued health and keeping your gums free from inflammation.
• Some extreme cases may require a referral to see a periodontist (gum specialist).

In the past, dentists or hygienists made remarks like “floss only the teeth you want to keep.” We now know there are much more important reasons to floss your teeth; it may save your life!

Give Dr. Marcus and his dental team a call to learn more about gum disease and get treatment for this serious health issue. We provide services for everyone in the Edmonds area, from Mountlake Terrace to Shoreline.