Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and at Mattson Hellickson Dental in Beaverton, we’re committed to helping you maintain it. Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile and good overall health. Our team provides gentle and effective periodontal therapy to restore your oral health.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is a common condition that affects the gums and bones that support your teeth. It starts when bacteria in plaque build up on your teeth and infect your gums.
Research shows that gum disease is linked to several health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. By taking care of your gums, you’re protecting your smile and supporting your overall health.
If not treated, periodontal disease can lead to:
- Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
Many patients don’t realize they have gum disease because it often doesn’t cause pain until it’s in an advanced stage. That’s why regular dental check-ups at Mattson Hellickson Dental are so important.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease is progressive, beginning with mild symptoms that often go unnoticed in the absence of routine dental care. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Your gums may look red and swollen, and they might bleed when you brush or floss. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to early periodontitis. At this stage, the infection starts to affect the bone that supports your teeth. Small pockets form between your gums and teeth, trapping food and more bacteria. Your gums may start to pull away from your teeth.
As the disease continues, the pockets get deeper and more bone is lost. Your teeth might start to feel loose, and you may notice more bleeding and discomfort when eating.
In the final stage, the infection has caused significant bone loss. Your teeth may shift, feel loose, or even fall out. You might notice pus around your gums and have severe bad breath.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Several things can increase your chance of getting gum disease:
- Poor oral hygiene (not brushing or flossing regularly)
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Certain medications
- Family history of gum disease
- Hormonal changes (like during pregnancy)
- Stress
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
The good news is that many of these risk factors can be managed with help from our dental team at Mattson Hellickson Dental.
Periodontal Treatments
We offer a range of treatments to address gum disease at every stage:
- Professional Dental Cleaning: For mild cases, a professional cleaning may be all you need. Our hygienists gently remove plaque and tartar from above and below your gumline.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This deeper cleaning is often called a “deep cleaning.” We carefully remove plaque and tartar from below your gumline (scaling) and smooth rough spots on tooth roots (root planing) where bacteria tend to gather.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Sometimes we place special antibiotics directly in the periodontal pockets to help control infection and promote healing.
- Surgical Options: For advanced cases, we may recommend surgical treatments like flap surgery (to reduce pocket depth) or bone grafts (to help rebuild bone lost to periodontal disease).
Prevention is the Best Medicine
The best way to deal with gum disease is to prevent it from starting. We recommend:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily to remove plaque between teeth
- Visiting us regularly for check-ups and cleanings
- Eating a balanced diet
- Avoiding tobacco products
Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation Today
Don’t wait until you experience pain or discomfort. Early detection and treatment are key to successful periodontal therapy. Contact Mattson Hellickson Dental in Beaverton today at 503-308-7664 to schedule your comprehensive periodontal evaluation. You can also request an appointment online anytime.
A healthy smile begins with healthy gums. Let us help you protect both with patient-focused dental care.
