Your Hillsboro Dentists at Orenco Want You to Understand the Threat of Periodontal Disease
July 23, 2015
Periodontal disease in Hillsboro, OR and across the United States is marked by red, swollen, pus-filled gums that pull away from tooth roots. Most commonly caused by poor dental hygiene, millions of adults suffer from this devastating but treatable oral infection.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that approximately half adult Americans over the age of 30 have periodontal or advanced gum disease. Characterized by red, swollen, bleeding gum tissue, periodontitis leads to tooth and bone loss and also to systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart attack, asthma and more.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by a variety of factors, including poor dental hygiene. When brushing, flossing and professional cleanings are neglected, sticky, bacteria-filled plaque forms on teeth and below the gum line.
Left untreated, the plaque quickly turns into rock-hard tartar, creating infected pockets in gum tissue. Pockets measuring more than 5 mm indicate advanced periodontitis and need dental attention before teeth loosen and are lost and before jaw bone is destroyed.
In addition, other factors play into gum disease. Heredity is one of them. If family members tend toward gum issues, you may develop them as well over time. So, it’s important to alert your Hillsboro, OR dentist to your medical history, including conditions that seem to run in the family.
Besides heredity, hormonal changes such as those associated with pregnancy and menopause play into gum disease. So, women should not neglect their dental check-ups during these important seasons of life. Additionally, some medical conditions which suppress the immune system, such as diabetes and cancer, promote gum problems as do medications such as antidepressants and oral contraceptives
Another common culprit is tobacco use. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) research pegs cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco as loaded with toxins which destroy gum tissue. Smoking steals vital oxygen and other nutrients from the mouth, making it prone to gum infection. Combine tobacco with other risk factors such as obesity and poor diet, and periodontitis is the result.
What can be done about Hillsboro, OR periodontal disease?
The best action is a trip to your Hillsboro, OR dentists, Doctors Brandon and Malinda Kearbey. These Dentists at Orenco Station are passionate about preventive dentistry and can measure the extent of your gum issues, suggesting treatments such as:
- stepped up brushing and flossing at home
- professional tooth and root scaling to remove tartar
- instillation of antimicrobial medication to heal infected tissues
- referral to oral surgery if advanced techniques are required to restore gums, roots and jaw bone to full health
Don’t delay getting periodontal therapy in the Hillsboro area
Doctors Brandon and Malinda Kearbey desire great oral health and overall well-being for each of their patients. They believe excellent preventive care keeps teeth and gums healthy so their patients can keep their smiles for their entire lives.
If it’s been a while since you had a hygienic cleaning and dental check-up, please call The Dentists at Orenco Station today to arrange a convenient appointment. Your oral health is too important to neglect.
The Hidden Dangers of Gum Disease
November 17, 2014
Have you ever discovered that your gums we’re sore or bleeding after brushing your teeth or eating? You may think that it resulted from brushing too hard or getting food stuck between your teeth, but it could be a sign of advanced gum disease. If left untreated, the gum disease Gingivitis can advance into full blown Periodontitis. Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Don’t let gum disease rob you of your healthy smile. The easiest way to stop gum disease in its tracks is to visit a dentist for a check-up and cleaning. If caught early enough, gum disease treatment can actually be reversed. Make an appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey at Orenco Station Dental today. They want to help you save your healthy teeth. The Dentists at Orenco Station proudly serve families throughout Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek and surrounding areas.
Signs of Gum Disease
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Mouth pain
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus or mucus between gums and teeth
- Mouth sores
- Halitosis
- A change in your bite
- Dentures or partials no longer fit
Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment in Hillsboro, OR
Remember that gum disease is serious but treatable. No matter how well we take care of our teeth at home, there is no substitution for a regular dental check-up and professional cleaning. The dentist can find and remove plaque and tarter that you just can’t see at home. A small investment of time for a regular dental check up can save you the time and money needed for restorative dental procedures to save your teeth from advanced gum disease. Don’t delay; make an appointment with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey at Orenco Station Dental. The Dentists at Orenco Station restore smiles daily throughout Hillsboro, OR, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek and nearby communities.
The Connection between Oral Health and Heart Health
February 25, 2014
What if we told you there was a very important connection between oral and overall health? Most people would be surprised to hear that, but it’s true.
What’s the connection? According to recent data, it can be traced to gum disease, a very common oral health condition that affects a majority of U.S. adults.
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria and plaque around the gums. Over time, these irritants will cause tissue loss, culminating in the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets give the bacteria and plaque of gum disease an entryway into your bloodstream, and from there, to other parts of the body.
What kinds of health problems can be exacerbated by gum disease? Heart disease is one of the most common but it’s not the only one. Other health conditions that can be impacted by gum disease include:
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s
- Pneumonia
- Pre-term birth or low birth weight
You can protect your smile and your overall health by following a couple of easy but important steps.
First, make sure that you’re brushing and flossing every day. At The Dentists at Orenco Station, we recommend brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and gargling with an antibacterial mouthwash. Following a routine like this will help you control the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
But a good homecare routine isn’t all it takes to enjoy good oral health. We also recommend seeing Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey twice a year for checkups and cleanings. Why so often? Because some patients may be struggling with gum disease without even knowing it. During your appointment with us, we’ll look for signs of the condition and offer care if we find anything.
Call The Dentists at Orenco Station if you’re ready to schedule your next checkup with Drs. Brandon and Malinda Kearbey. They’re happy to care for patients from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and beyond.
Periodontal Therapy for Hillsboro and Beyond
June 4, 2013
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions facing patients. According to some estimates, as much as 80% of American adults have some form of the disease. But gum disease isn’t just an oral health concern. Recent medical studies have also connected it to health conditions in other parts of the body, including heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, preterm birth, and more.
What does this mean for you and your family?
It means that regular checkups with The Dentists at Orenco Station should be a priority. During a checkup, Dr. Brandon Kearbey or Dr. Malinda Kearbey will look closely at the soft tissues of your gums and at your teeth to see if there have been any changes in your oral health. Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding or swollen gums and discoloration.
If our Hillsboro dental team finds any sign of gum disease, we’ll help you treat it with a personalized periodontal therapy treatment plan. There are many effective periodontal therapies to treat symptoms of gum disease, including deep cleaning, which combines scaling and root planning. During your appointment with Dr. Brandon Kearbey or Dr. Malinda Kearbey, we’ll talk to you about your treatment options and explain how each aspect of periodontal therapy works. We can also answer any questions you might have about your care.
Have you noticed any changes in your gums recently? Call The Dentists at Orenco Station today to reserve your consultation on periodontal therapy. We serve patients from Hillsboro, Forrest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, Rock Creek, and beyond.