Gum disease is easily treated in its early stages but is much harder to eliminate once it has progressed. Because of this, it’s important to treat gum disease as soon as possible. The good news is, if you see us twice a year for exams and cleanings as recommended, the condition should never move to a more advanced stage. 

With the holidays approaching, you may be tempted to put off an exam, even if you notice bleeding gums or other disease symptoms. But don’t do it! Call Cedar Dental Group ASAP at 425-970-8115 (Renton) 253-563-0315 (Kent) if you suspect your gums may need attention. 

Treating gum disease in our Renton, WA office will:

  • Make It Easier to Brush and Floss – Bleeding gums are a common sign of early-stage gum disease. They also make it very unpleasant to brush and floss. It’s tough to do a good job cleaning teeth when your gums hurt and bleed. 
  • Give You Fresher Smelling Breath – Another common symptom is chronic bad breath that won’t go away no matter what you try. This obviously affects your self confidence and your interactions with others. 
  • Keep Your Smile Looking Good – Disease affects your smile’s appearance. Your gums will look more red than pink. If left untreated, gums will begin receding, possibly to the point where tooth roots are visible. While we offer a comfortable treatment for gum recession, it’s better to treat the disease before it gets to that point. 
  • End Discomfort – Tender gums can make it hard to perform oral hygiene and even to enjoy your favorite meals. 
  • Protect You From Bone and Tooth Loss – In late stages of gum disease, you’re at risk of losing dental structure. In fact, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. 
  • Improve Your Overall Health – Gum disease has been linked to numerous adverse health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and premature birth. 

Treat Gum Disease With a Two-Part Deep Cleaning Procedure

Our dentists use a two-part deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing to treat mild and moderate cases of gum disease. Using special instruments, we will remove built-up bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the area around and below your gumline. This is called scaling. We finish by smoothing your tooth roots (planing), which makes it harder for bacteria to accumulate. We may also provide Arestin® antibiotic therapy if needed. 

We will numb your mouth with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during treatment. If you’re nervous or concerned about discomfort, you can also receive laughing gas or an oral sedative. Either option will keep you calm and relaxed. 

Tips for Gum Disease Prevention

Fortunately, good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are usually enough to prevent gum disease, or at least keep it from progressing to an advanced stage. Bonus: those activities will also help prevent cavities and other dental problems. You should:

  • Brush and floss every day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay special attention to the area near your gumline, but be sure to use a gentle touch. Brushing too vigorously and/or using hard bristles can actually cause your gums to recede. 
  • Avoid sugary and/or acidic foods and drinks to keep your mouth less hospitable to the bacteria that causes gum disease. You can also chew sugarless gum with xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener that has been shown to reduce gum disease and tooth decay. 
  • See us every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. During the cleaning, we’ll remove plaque and bacteria from any areas of your mouth that you may have missed during your home oral hygiene.

Severe gum disease is more common in smokers. So if you smoke, quit. Gum disease is also more common when you are pregnant or if you have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. So let us know if any of those conditions are present. 

Think you may need to treat gum disease? Don’t wait until your next visit! Call us ASAP at 425-970-8115 (Renton) 253-563-0315 (Kent) .