Periodontal Disease Treatment in Arlington, WA
When you brush your teeth, do you notice swollen or bleeding gums? Do you wonder if it’s normal or dismiss it and not worry about it?
Bleeding and swollen gums are not normal, and both are signs that you have a bacterial gum infection your body is trying to fight against. This is gum disease, and prompt treatment is essential to protect your oral health and general well-being.
A beautiful smile starts with healthy gums, and Dr. Andrew Kim, DDS wants to ensure that his patients have the tools, education, and support needed to achieve and maintain excellent gum health.
Gum Disease and Whole Body Wellness
There is significant scientific evidence linking gum disease to overall body wellness. Diabetes is an excellent example because uncontrolled it can lead to gum disease, and untreated gum disease also makes controlling your diabetes more difficult.
However, diabetes isn’t the only condition associated with gum disease; harmful bacteria associated with gum disease are linked to coronary heart disease, respiratory infections, arthritis, dementia, pregnancy complications, and many other conditions.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease affects nearly half of all US adults over 30. One reason gingivitis is so widespread is that there are no symptoms, or the symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed.
While you may not notice anything wrong, your dentist and hygienist will, which is why preventive teeth cleanings and exams are crucial to protect your oral health.
Some common symptoms of gum disease are:
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush
- Swollen, tender, or inflamed gums
- Gum recession
- Chronic bad breath or halitosis
- Loose teeth
Please call our Arlington, WA dental office right away at (360) 548-3188 if you notice any of these gum disease symptoms. The sooner we detect and treat the infection, the easier and more effective your treatment will be.
How We Treat Gum Disease
Because we tailor your hygiene appointments to meet your needs, the treatment we provide depends on the extent of gum infection that we find.
Early Gum Disease or Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis, or periodontal gum disease, is the earliest and most common form of gum disease, and symptoms include swollen or tender gums and bleeding when you brush and floss.
With early intervention, gingivitis is typically reversible. Our dental hygienist will perform a thorough teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from all tooth surfaces and offer oral hygiene and home care tips.
Advanced Treatment for Periodontitis
Without treatment, gingivitis progresses to advanced gum disease or periodontitis that attacks the bone and supporting structures of your teeth. Eventually, you’ll notice your gums pulling away from your teeth, and you are at increased risk for tooth loss as teeth become mobile.
Treating periodontitis requires a deep tooth cleaning called scaling and root planing. This procedure eliminates bacteria from above and below the gumline and creates a healthier environment for gum tissue to reattach to your teeth.
Schedule a Teeth Cleaning at Our Arlington, WA Dental Office
Fortunately, periodontal disease is highly preventable. Brush for two minutes in the morning and before bedtime, and floss your teeth once. Visit our Arlington, WA dental office every six months for teeth cleanings, and we can help you prevent gum disease from developing.
We are pleased to serve patients in Arlington, Smokey Point, Marysville, Lake Stevens, Mount Vernon, and all surrounding communities.
Please call Sound Dental Solutions today at (360) 548-3188 to schedule your next exam and teeth cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Sound Dental Solutions in Arlington, WA, we recommend that everyone schedule dental exams and teeth cleanings at least every six months. Because the frequency of your hygiene appointments depends on your gum health, Dr. Andrew Kim, DDS may recommend additional teeth cleanings to stay a step ahead of gum disease.
What’s Involved with a Teeth Cleaning?
Most professional cleanings with our dental hygienist follow the same five steps:
- Perform a visual exam to look for signs of gingivitis
- Eliminate plaque and tartar that you can’t remove at home
- Scrub your teeth with a high-powered brush
- Floss thoroughly to remove plaque and tartar from between teeth
- Fluoride rinse/treatment if recommended
Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once are important habits to develop, but you still need professional teeth cleanings twice a year. Your brush and floss can’t reach all the tight spaces between teeth, and they can’t remove hardened plaque called tartar that clings to your teeth.
Is It Time for Your Next Teeth Cleaning in Arlington, WA?
There’s an old saying that you only need to brush and floss the teeth you want to keep, and it still holds true. If It’s been longer than six months since your last teeth cleaning, please call our Arlington dental office at (360) 548-3188 so we can schedule your next appointment.
We provide periodontal disease treatment in Arlington, WA.
Periodontal disease is a preventable oral health condition that causes infections and inflammation in the ligaments and tissues that support your teeth. It is also known as gum disease.
Typically, periodontal disease starts as gingivitis, which is a reversible condition. But left untreated, it can graduate to periodontitis, which is only treatable.
Signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding gums, especially during oral hygiene sessions
- Periodic or persistent toothaches and inflammation
- Bad breath that lingers or returns after brushing and flossing
- Loose or mobile teeth in advanced cases
Without treatment, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and even complications with the heart. Studies have even linked it to sudden stroke, dementia, and low birth weight in infants.
Your Arlington, WA dentist provides gentle but effective periodontal treatment to restore healthier gums and help them better adhere to your teeth, which prevents new infections. This method of treatment is called scaling and planing or deep dental cleanings. Your dentist will also provide specific instructions for at-home care.
For Periodontal Treatment Near Mount Vernon, WA, Contact Us
Helping restore you to better oral health is our top priority after your periodontal disease diagnosis. If you would like to schedule a consultation, give us a call today—and don’t forget to ask about our exclusive Sound Dental Membership Club.
We proudly serve Arlington, Smokey Point, Marysville, Lake Stevens, Mount Vernon, and Sisco Heights.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Andrew Kim DDS
Dr. Kim graduated from New York University College of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. During the studies at NYU, Dr. Kim was honored with the Outstanding Achievement in Restorative Dentistry Award in his graduating class.
Following dental school, Dr. Kim obtained advanced training in implants, Invisalign, and cosmetic dentistry. He practiced in New Jersey for several years, where he met my wife Ellie. They then moved to the greater Seattle area, where they both have many friends and family. Dr. Kim has been practicing dentistry in Arlington ...
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