Periodontal Therapy in Seattle, WA
While your teeth are the main reason you visit a dental office, at Reen Chung, DDS, we care about the complete oral health of our patients. Our care includes examining gum health and providing periodontal therapy to patients who suffer from bleeding gums, swollen gums, or gum infection. If you have concerns about your gum health or notice gum recession occurring, our office is happy to be your periodontist in Seattle, WA!
Causes of Gum Infection
Periodontal disease, also known as gum infection, can be caused by a variety of factors. Gum infection is common, and when caught in its early stages, can be reduced or resolved through gum therapy. Poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, smoking habits, or genetics can make someone susceptible to gum infection.
How do I know if I need periodontal therapy?
Periodontal therapy, or gum disease treatment, includes techniques that can restore or maintain the status of gum infection or gum recession. Gum disease treatment will vary depending on the stage of your gum infection or gum recession. You’ll know you need to seek periodontal therapy when you have bleeding or swollen gums after being touched or brushed.
What causes gums to recede?
A variety of factors cause gums to recede. All of these factors are causes that connect to your oral health and hygiene. Genetics may be the only factor that you can’t control when gum recession in your mouth occurs. For example, brushing your teeth hard can cause irritation and inflammation that can result in gum recession. Clenching and grinding your teeth and neglecting biannual visits to the dentist also can cause gums to recede.
Are periodontal issues permanent?
Unfortunately, periodontal issues such as gum infection are permanent. Seeking gum therapy at the earliest stage of suspecting a gum infection is critical to reversing or maintaining the current state of your gums. In its early stages, gingivitis can be reversed through regular checkups and a good oral health routine. When gum infection passes this stage, it then becomes permanent.