At Burien Dental, we believe in proactive, personalized care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States, but it is preventable and treatable when diagnosed early. Our goal is to help patients in Burien, WA, and the surrounding communities maintain excellent gum health and prevent the long-term effects of periodontal disease.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and surrounding structures that support your teeth. This infection begins when harmful bacteria in plaque and tartar irritate the gum tissue, causing inflammation. In its mildest form (gingivitis), gums may bleed during brushing, but teeth remain firmly in place. As it progresses to periodontitis, the infection can reach deeper tissues and bone, compromising tooth stability.

Many adults have some degree of gum disease without realizing it. Early stages can be painless, making routine checkups and periodontal screenings essential. Left unaddressed, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even impact your overall health. Research shows links between severe gum disease and conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and complications during pregnancy.

Why Early Detection Matters

Gum disease typically develops over time. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food debris, forms constantly on teeth. When it is not thoroughly removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed at home and requires professional cleaning.

As bacteria accumulate below the gumline, the tissue becomes inflamed. Gums begin to pull away from teeth, forming “pockets” that collect even more bacteria. The deeper these pockets get, the more the infection can damage the supportive bone. Eventually, teeth can become loose and shift, and some may be lost if treatment is delayed too long.

Being proactive with regular dental visits means we can detect gum disease in its early, more treatable stages. Our team at Burien Dental uses advanced tools to measure gum pocket depth, assess tissue health, and customize the best approach for your unique situation.

Common Signs & Symptoms

Many people do not notice any discomfort when gum disease first sets in. However, there are some visible and noticeable signs to watch for:

Bleeding gums: Gums that bleed during brushing, flossing, or eating are often a sign of inflammation.
Red, swollen, or tender gums: Healthy gums should appear pink and firm, so puffiness or discoloration indicates irritation.
Receding gums: As gum tissue pulls back, teeth appear longer. This also exposes sensitive root surfaces.
Chronic bad breath: Ongoing halitosis may result from bacteria and food debris accumulating around or under the gumline.
Loose or shifting teeth: Advanced gum disease can erode the bone and ligaments that keep teeth stable.
Pus or visible infection: Discharge between the gums and teeth is a strong indicator of serious infection.
Changes in bite: If your teeth feel misaligned or your dentures no longer fit properly, gum disease might be altering the structural support.

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a periodontal assessment at Burien Dental. Early detection may prevent further damage.

Major Causes and Risk Factors

Anyone can develop gum disease. However, certain factors may increase susceptibility or accelerate its progression:

Inadequate Oral Hygiene: Irregular brushing and flossing let plaque solidify into tartar, which irritates the gums.
Smoking & Tobacco Use: Tobacco compromises gum tissue healing and increases tartar buildup.
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and certain birth control methods can intensify gum inflammation.
Chronic Stress: Stress lowers the immune system’s defenses, making it harder to fight bacterial infections.
Poor Nutrition: Diets low in essential nutrients can weaken your body’s healing ability.
Systemic Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes or heart disease can worsen gum disease and vice versa.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Excessive grinding or clenching places stress on the gums and bone.
Medications: Steroids, some anti-seizure drugs, and certain blood pressure medications can affect gum health.
Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals have a family history of aggressive periodontal disease.

By understanding your risk factors, you can work with our team to implement targeted prevention strategies.

Diagnosis of Gum Disease at Burien Dental

We conduct a thorough exam to determine the presence and extent of gum disease. Here’s what to expect:

Review of Medical and Dental History: We discuss your general health, medications, family history of gum disease, and any symptoms you have noticed.
Periodontal Probing: A small probe measures the depth of the space (pocket) between each tooth and the surrounding gum. Healthy pockets are between 1–3 mm and do not bleed. Deeper pockets (4 mm or more) can be indicative of gum infection.
Visual Exam: We check for inflamed gum tissue, recession, or other signs of irritation.
Dental X-rays: These images show underlying bone levels and help us see any areas where the bone may be deteriorating.
Assessment of Tooth Stability: We gently check if any teeth are becoming loose or shifting out of alignment.

These steps allow us to identify your specific periodontal condition, from gingivitis to more advanced periodontitis, so we can create a customized treatment plan.

Progression and Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis

The earliest phase involves gum inflammation but no bone loss.
Common symptoms include gum redness, swelling, and bleeding while brushing.
Often reversible with professional dental cleanings and improved at-home care.

Periodontitis

Plaque and tartar spread below the gumline, forming pockets that deepen over time.
The bone supporting the teeth starts to deteriorate.
Professional intervention is essential to halt further damage.

Advanced Periodontitis

Significant bone loss has occurred, causing teeth to loosen or shift.
Persistent infection can lead to abscesses, gum recession, and tooth loss.
Surgical procedures may be necessary to save teeth or prepare for restorative options such as dental implants.

When detected early, gum disease can be kept under control with less invasive treatments. Regular checkups at Burien Dental help prevent it from reaching advanced stages.

Types of Periodontal Disease

Chronic Periodontitis This is the most prevalent form, usually seen in adults. It develops gradually, causing gum detachment and bone loss over time. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.
Aggressive Periodontitis An uncommon form that often appears in otherwise healthy individuals. It involves rapid destruction of gum tissue and supporting bone. Genetic factors can play a role in its onset.
Periodontitis Associated with Systemic Conditions Certain systemic issues—like diabetes and cardiovascular disease—can exacerbate gum disease. Controlling both the systemic condition and the gum infection is essential.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease A severe condition typically occurring in individuals with compromised immune systems or under extreme stress. It involves tissue necrosis (cell death) of the gums, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone.

How Gum Disease Affects Overall Health

Medical research shows the mouth and body are connected. Periodontal infections release bacteria into the bloodstream, where they can travel to other areas. Studies have linked advanced gum disease with:

Heart Disease & Stroke: Inflammation from infected gums may contribute to arterial plaque buildup.
Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar can worsen gum disease, which, in turn, makes diabetes harder to manage.
Respiratory Conditions: Bacteria may be inhaled into the lungs, aggravating conditions like pneumonia.
Pregnancy Complications: Gum disease in expectant mothers has been associated with low birth weight and preterm deliveries.

Maintaining healthy gums is an essential part of protecting your entire body. Our team will work with you and coordinate with your physician if you have any underlying conditions.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Depending on your stage of gum disease, Burien Dental offers tailored treatments to control infection, remove harmful bacteria, and support tissue healing. Here are the most common options:

Professional Cleanings & Improved Home Care: Ideal for early gingivitis. We remove tartar above the gumline, then guide you on brushing, flossing, and optional aids like special rinses.
Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): Performed under local anesthesia. We remove deposits below the gumline and smooth tooth roots to deter bacteria buildup, allowing gums to reattach more snugly.
Antibiotic Therapy: Stubborn bacteria can be targeted through local antibiotics placed into gum pockets or prescribed medicated mouthwash.
Laser or Surgical Procedures: Advanced cases may require more comprehensive care, such as pocket reduction, tissue grafts, or guided tissue regeneration to repair damage and reduce pocket depth.
Dental Implants: If teeth have been lost to gum disease, dental implants can restore your smile with natural-looking, stable replacements.

We use modern techniques to ensure comfortable, efficient periodontal treatment aimed at halting disease progression and preserving your long-term oral health.

Maintenance and Preventing Recurrence

After active treatment, maintaining your gum health becomes a shared responsibility between you and our team. We typically recommend periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months instead of the usual six-month interval for routine cleanings. This frequency allows us to:

Deeply clean any areas where plaque may reform
Monitor pocket depths to catch early changes
Assess how well you’re managing home care
Update X-rays periodically to watch bone levels

Daily brushing and flossing remain crucial. Depending on your case, we might suggest:

Electric Toothbrushes: These can be more effective at removing plaque.
Interdental Cleaners: Tiny brushes or picks that reach where normal toothbrushes cannot.
Antibacterial Mouthwashes: Especially beneficial if you are prone to plaque buildup.
Water Irrigators: To flush out food debris and bacteria below the gumline.

By combining consistent home care with professional maintenance, you can keep gum disease at bay and preserve your smile.

Lifestyle Tips for Healthier Gums

A few additional lifestyle changes may help you protect your gums:

Quit Tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco significantly raises your risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
Balance Your Diet: A well-rounded diet with vitamins and minerals supports healthy gum tissue. Limit sugary or acidic foods that feed bacterial growth.
Stay Hydrated: Saliva is essential for rinsing away bacteria. Drinking plenty of water helps.
Manage Stress: High-stress levels can make it harder for your body to fight infections.
Address Teeth Grinding: If you suspect bruxism, talk to us about mouthguards or other solutions.
Control Underlying Conditions: Keep diabetes or other systemic illnesses under control to reduce gum inflammation.

When you work on these lifestyle factors, the effectiveness of gum disease treatments improves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gum disease reversible?

Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is typically reversible. Once it progresses to periodontitis, we can manage and halt further damage, but lost bone or gum tissue may not fully regenerate without specialized procedures.

Will scaling and root planing hurt?

We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Some mild soreness or sensitivity after the procedure is normal, but it generally subsides in a few days.

Can I still get dental implants if I have gum disease?

First, we need to treat any active infection. Once your gums are stable, implants can be a great solution to replace missing teeth and support long-term oral health.

How often should I see the dentist if I have a history of gum problems?

More frequent cleanings (every 3–4 months) are recommended to maintain gum health and catch any recurrence early.

Can children develop gum disease?

While less common, children can develop gingivitis or more aggressive forms. Regular pediatric checkups are crucial to monitor gum health.

Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation Today

If you suspect you have gum disease or simply want to safeguard your oral health, Burien Dental is here to help. Our office in Burien, WA provides thorough periodontal assessments, customized treatments, and compassionate care to restore and maintain healthy gums.

Don’t wait for bleeding gums or loose teeth to disrupt your life. Call us now to schedule a consultation. We look forward to partnering with you to achieve a healthy smile and keep gum disease under control for years to come.