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What is Gum Disease (Gingivitis)?

What is Periodontal Disease?
 

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the supporting structures of your teeth—including the bone. Unlike gingivitis, periodontal disease causes irreversible damage to the architecture holding your teeth in place.
 

What you might notice:
 

  • Persistent bad breath or a metallic taste

  • Gum recession (teeth look longer)

  • Loose teeth or shifting bite

  • Pain when chewing

  • Gums that bleed easily or feel sore
     

In some cases, you may not feel any pain at all, which is why routine evaluations are critical. Periodontal disease often progresses silently until advanced stages, which can result in tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and the need for more invasive treatments.


At Haven Dental PDX, we take a preventative, tailored approach to identifying and managing periodontal disease as early as possible. We perform detailed periodontal charting and diagnostic imaging to determine the exact health of your gum and bone tissues.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It occurs when plaque—made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva—accumulates at the gumline and isn’t effectively removed. Over time, this leads to inflammation of the gums.

Common signs of gingivitis include: 
 

  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing

  • Red, swollen, or tender gums

  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away

  • A change in the way your gums look—shiny or puffy appearance


The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with timely, consistent care—including professional dental cleanings and improved at-home oral hygiene. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can progress to something more serious: periodontal disease.

The Connection Between Oral and Systemic Health

Your mouth doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s deeply connected to the rest of your body. Research continues to show strong links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as:

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  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Diabetes and blood sugar dysregulation

  • Adverse pregnancy outcomes

  • Chronic inflammatory conditions

  • Respiratory disease

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Gum inflammation can lead to the release of harmful bacteria and inflammatory markers into your bloodstream, affecting your immune system and putting extra stress on your body. At Haven Dental PDX, we don’t just treat your mouth—we treat you as a whole person. Our approach reflects our belief that oral health is a vital part of overall wellness.

The Purpose of Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings are not cosmetic—they’re preventative medical care for your mouth.

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At Haven Dental, we tailor your cleaning based on your individual periodontal condition, not based on a generic schedule. That means we:

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  • Evaluate gum and bone support at every visit

  • Remove plaque and hardened tartar that cannot be removed at home

  • Reduce inflammation and bacterial load

  • Educate you on tools and habits to protect your oral health

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For patients with periodontal disease, routine prophylactic cleanings are not enough. Instead, we may recommend scaling and root planing—a therapeutic treatment that targets the infected areas below the gumline, smooths the roots of your teeth, and promotes tissue healing.

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These procedures may require multiple visits, local anesthetic, and ongoing maintenance cleanings (periodontal maintenance) every 3–4 months. This is not over-treatment—this is evidence-based care designed to preserve your natural teeth and prevent the disease from progressing.

What Happens if Gum Disease is Left Untreated?

Untreated or under-treated gum disease can lead to:

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  • Tooth loss and costly restorative procedures

  • Jawbone deterioration

  • Increased inflammation throughout your body

  • Higher risk for systemic disease

  • Ongoing discomfort, infection, and reduced quality of life

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Early intervention is key. Our job is not to scare you—it’s to give you the information and support you need to make empowered decisions for your long-term health.

Looking for Gum Disease Treatment in Portland, Oregon?

At Haven Dental PDX, we specialize in preventative, customized care. Whether you’ve just noticed symptoms, haven’t seen a dentist in a while, or are dealing with diagnosed periodontal disease, we’re here to help you get back on track—with compassion, clarity, and clinical excellence.

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Call us today at 503.287.0072 or schedule online to take the first step toward a healthier mouth and a healthier you.

I am concerned about gum disease...

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If you're searching for answers about gum disease or periodontal disease in Portland, you're already taking the first important step: being proactive. At Haven Dental PDX, we believe that your gum health is foundational to your overall wellness. Whether you’re noticing bleeding gums, sensitivity, or just haven’t had a cleaning in a while, we’re here to help guide you with thoughtful, individualized care.

Schedule Your First Visit Today

We’re excited to welcome you to Haven Dental PDX, where custom, high-quality dentistry meets compassion and integrity. If you're ready to step away from rushed care and experience what thoughtful, craft-focused dentistry feels like, we’re here for you.

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📞 Call us
🖥️ Or schedule online at your convenience

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