You know you need to take care of your smile. That’s why you brush, floss, and visit a dentist twice each year. But your teeth are only part of your dental health. While fighting tooth decay is vital, so is preventing gum disease.

This is when the same harmful bacteria behind cavities infect your gum tissues. If left untreated, you could experience bleeding, swollen gums and eventually the loss of some teeth as they fall out.

That’s why it’s so important to call Jahyun Koo DDS at 206-922-4573 and make a new appointment. This problem can start out so small that it’s easily missed. But thanks to Dr. Koo’s expert training, years of experience, and modern technology, you can identify gum disease before it gets too bad.

Know Gum Disease Symptoms

The trouble with this dental problem is it’s hard to recognize. You have gum disease when bacteria infect your gum tissues, and it’s not like you can see that in the mirror. That’s why you need to let Dr. Koo examine your gums. But until then, check your smile for these gum disease signs.

  • Chronic bad breath: This problem can kill off gum tissue cells, leading to bad breath that never quite goes away. This is called gingivitis.
  • Receding gums (or teeth that look bigger): As gums get infected, they tend to pull away from your teeth. This recession makes your teeth look bigger as a result.
  • Bleeding after brushing and/or flossing: You really shouldn’t have any bleeding when cleaning your teeth, not even when using dental floss. But if your gums are infected, they will bleed much more easily.
  • Dark discoloration on the gums: As the infection spreads, your pink-ish gums can grow dark red or brown.
  • Gums that are tender or swollen: The bacteria hurt your gum tissues, so in response, they can swell up. They can also be tender and even just brushing can cause discomfort or even bleeding.
  • Loose teeth: Eventually, the bacteria cause the gums to recede so much that your teeth feel loose. If you wait too long, they may even fall out.

Get Modern Treatment

What can be done if you have those signs? Thankfully, Dr. Koo is trained in fixing gum disease with several high-tech treatments.

If your problem isn’t too advanced, then you can often get help with scaling and root planing. This treatment removes plaque from under the gums. This removes irritation so your gums can heal naturally. For more advanced cases, you can get Perio Protect to kill the bacteria or LANAP, a more comfortable procedure that uses a special dental laser. This targets infected gum tissue and removes it while leaving the healthy tissue alone.

Of course, the best way to prevent getting periodontal disease in the first place is to keep your teeth clean. That means brushing twice each day, flossing to remove food stuck between teeth (and on your gums), and getting professional dental cleanings every six months.

If you notice any gum disease signs, then call our Seattle office today at 206-922-4573 or use our convenient online form to schedule your next appointment.