The last thing anybody would want to deal with is gum disease. Aside from causing bad breath that won’t go away, gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can often lead to swollen, bleeding, and painful gums. If you think that you have gum disease, schedule an appointment with a dentist in Northgate Seattle before it’s too late!
The 2 Types of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease is a condition known as gingivitis. When you hit this stage, you may experience swollen gums due to the buildup of plaque along your gumline. At this point, the infection has not advanced enough for you to suffer bone or tissue loss. Therefore, you will mostly just feel uncomfortable.
This stage so early in the infection, it can typically be reversed by regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dental office.
Periodontitis
The more advanced stage of gum disease. This is what happens when the patient does not address their onset gingivitis.
Periodontitis is often characterized by the formation of gum pockets around the teeth as the gums start to pull away from them. It’s then only a matter of time before these gum pockets become infected. Once the infection spreads, the bacteria start to eat away at the underlying bone and connective tissue that supports the teeth.
Unlike gingivitis that can be reversed with good oral hygiene, periodontitis typically requires the help of a professional. At this point, you should give your dentist a call and ask about your treatment options!
Looking for a Dentist in Northgate Seattle?
If you find yourself dealing with periodontitis, contact the dental experts at Smiles on the 35th. Treatment will usually involve deep cleaning, which is sometimes called scaling and root planing. The goal is to remove the plaque and bacteria below your gum line to allow them to heal.
