Periodontal Treatment in Alexandria, VA

Gum disease is more than just bleeding gums—it’s a silent threat that can undermine your oral health and overall well-being. At LIFE Advanced Integrated Dentistry in Alexandria, VA, Dr. Charissa Chin offers comprehensive periodontal treatment tailored to meet your unique needs. 

How Your Gums Reflect Your Health

There is a symbiotic relationship between your oral health and your overall systemic health—what happens in one often affects the other. When gum disease develops, it doesn’t always stay confined to your mouth.

Untreated gum disease and oral inflammation can lead to complications like heart disease, diabetes, dementia, some cancers, and numerous other systemic health conditions.

Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

Here at LIFE A.I.D., our dental team takes an integrated approach to dentistry by understanding the systemic risk factors that contribute to gum disease, including:

• Age and genetics —The risk of gum disease increases with age, affecting over 70% of adults 65 and older.
• Certain medications — Antidepressants and heart disease medications can cause dry mouth, which can lead to gum disease.
• Diabetes — People with diabetes are at higher risk due to a more susceptible immune system and increased susceptibility to infections.
• Pregnancy and hormonal changes — Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy and menopause increase the risk of gum inflammation.
• Smoking —  Smoking is a significant risk factor because it weakens your body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infections. 

Salivary Testing to Understand Your Risk for Gum Disease

Are you at risk for periodontal disease? At Life A.I.D., we use OralDNA® Labs leading-edge salivary testing, a diagnostic method that assesses the risk and presence of gum disease using saliva samples.

The saliva testing process is easy; you simply swish a saline solution in your mouth, spit into a collection tube, and a specialized lab analyzes the sample. The results allow for an earlier gum disease diagnosis to help Dr. Chin to identify the underlying factors that contribute to the disease in your case.

How Gum Disease Develops and Progresses

Gum disease progresses from the mild form, called gingivitis, to the advanced stage, called periodontitis, if left untreated. In the early stage, gum tissue becomes swollen and inflamed and may bleed when you brush. 

As the disease progresses, the toxins from bacteria cause more inflammation and gums start to pull away from teeth, creating a periodontal pocket. If not treated, the inflammatory response to the bacterial challenge triggers tissue (bone and gum) destruction. As the bone loss progresses, teeth become loose, ultimately resulting in tooth loss.

Gum disease symptoms to watch for include:

• Swollen, tender, or inflamed gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Teeth appear longer 
• Loose teeth