If you’re aiming to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life, it’s vital to understand how gum disease works. At Cashmere Family Dentistry, Dr. Janie Busk and Dr. Ryan Busk are committed to educating patients in Cashmere, Wenatchee, and surrounding communities about the real risks of gum disease and how to stop it before it causes lasting damage.
What Is Gum Disease and How Does It Happen?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It begins when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up along the gumline. If plaque isn’t removed by daily brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, causes redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. If untreated, it can progress to more serious periodontitis, where bacteria spread deeper under the gums. This leads to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.
The main thing to remember is that gum disease isn’t just a mouth problem. The inflammation and bacteria can enter your bloodstream, potentially affecting your overall health.
How Gum Disease Affects Your Overall Health
When you have a better idea of how gum disease works, you also see why it’s linked to more than just the state of your smile. Research continues to connect gum disease to serious health conditions. Here’s how:
- Heart disease and stroke risk – Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to arterial plaque buildup.
- Diabetes complications – Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar, and high blood sugar can worsen gum disease.
- Respiratory issues – Inhaling bacteria from the mouth can increase the risk of lung infections like pneumonia.
- Pregnancy risks – Untreated gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
- Chronic inflammation – The body’s immune response to gum disease can trigger inflammation throughout the body.
- Cognitive decline – Some studies suggest a link between advanced gum disease and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
By keeping your gums healthy, you’re actually protecting your heart, brain, and more. That’s why Dr. Janie and Dr. Ryan Busk emphasize prevention and early treatment at every visit.
Preventative and Restorative Treatments for Gum Disease
Preventing gum disease starts with consistent home care and routine dental visits. At Cashmere Family Dentistry, we focus on:
- Professional cleanings – Removing plaque and tartar before they cause inflammation. Getting ahead of the curve is the best tool we have.
- Comprehensive exams – Identifying early signs of gum disease during six-month checkups.
- Patient education – Teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques tailored to every patient’s needs, mobility, and oral anatomy.
- Fluoride treatments – Consistently strengthening enamel to reduce decay risk.
If gum disease has already developed, we offer restorative treatments to halt its progression and repair damage:
- Scaling and root planing – A deep cleaning to remove bacteria and smooth root surfaces, helping gums reattach to teeth.
- Antibacterial therapy – Targeted medication to control infection.
- Gum grafts – Replace lost gum tissue to protect tooth roots.
- Restorative dentistry – Crowns, bridges, or implants to replace teeth lost to the most advanced forms of gum disease.
We also integrate your gum care with your overall health plan and coordinate with your physician when necessary. Since gum disease can impact your whole body, this comprehensive approach and high-tech office help protect both your smile and your general wellness.
Are Kids Safe from Gum Disease?
Not necessarily. Gum disease in children, also known as pediatric periodontal disease, is less common than in adults but can still cause serious problems if untreated. Causes can include poor oral hygiene habits, diets high in sugar, mouth breathing, or certain medical conditions or medications.
If you suspect your child or grandchild might be suffering from this condition, please contact us right away for an evaluation.
Signs to watch for:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums or changes in gum shape
Prevention and care tips:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Visit our office regularly for checkups and cleanings
Finding the Best Approach
In many cases, we can intervene and explain how gum disease works before it becomes a considerable issue for patients and treat it in a preventative manner. But in other instances, we’ll have to address damage that’s already been done. Either way, Cashmere Family Dentistry consists of a team you can trust completely with all of your dental conditions and concerns.
Our Cashmere office is always welcoming new patients. Please reach out to schedule an appointment.
