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Are your gums sore, inflamed, or redder than usual? Do your gums bleed easily? If you notice the early signs of gum disease in Spokane, WA, we encourage you to set up an appointment with Drs. Chris and Topher Chaffin. We are pleased to feature a variety of gum disease treatments that can help you prevent and stop the progression of periodontal diseases, including advanced laser gum disease treatment with PerioLase®. Call us today at (509) 467-6128 if you have any questions about our services and to schedule your next appointment with our caring dentists!

How common is gum disease, and what is it?

Nearly half of all adults in the United States have some form of gum infection, often without realizing it. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, typically begins with red, swollen, or receding gums and is usually identified by radiographic bone loss around the teeth. Bleeding during brushing or flossing is one of the most common early signs.

Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: What’s the difference?

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums without irreversible bone loss. It is often reversible with improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis—a more advanced and serious form of gum disease where the infection spreads deeper, causing bone and tissue loss around the teeth.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is a complex bacterial infection caused by an imbalance of microorganisms in the mouth. Different patients can have different combinations and levels of disease-causing bacteria, which is one reason identifying the specific pathogens involved can be valuable when planning treatment. These “evil villains” include Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.A.), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.G.), Treponema denticola (T.D.), and Tannerella forsythia (T.F.).

Other bacteria act like “sidekicks,” helping create an ideal environment for the villains to thrive—such as Prevotella intermedia (P.I.), Campylobacter rectus (C.R.), Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.N.), and Eikenella corrodens (E.C.).

In addition to bacteria, systemic issues like sleep apnea and chronic inflammation can contribute to disease progression.

How do I know if I have Gum Disease?

Common signs of gum infection include:

• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
• Sore, red, or inflamed gums
• Gum recession (teeth looking “longer”)
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth in advanced stages

It’s important to note that gum disease often doesn’t hurt, which is why many people don’t realize they have it. Even with consistent brushing and flossing, harmful bacteria can persist.

Advanced Bacterial Testing with SimplyTest® Perio

Not every case of gum disease involves the same bacteria. SimplyTest is a simple oral test that gives our doctors additional information about the bacteria present in your mouth. Combined with your periodontal exam and other clinical findings, this can help us better individualize treatment and evaluate how you respond to therapy.

The test is simple and noninvasive. A saliva sample is collected and analyzed for multiple bacteria and other microorganisms associated with periodontal disease and oral health. Rather than relying only on the visible signs of gum disease, SimplyTest Perio gives us additional information about the microorganisms present and their levels.

Why does identifying the bacteria matter?

Knowing which harmful bacteria are present allows us to take a more personalized approach to periodontal care. SimplyTest Perio can help us:

• Identify specific pathogens associated with gum disease
• Better understand a patient’s bacterial burden and periodontal risk
• Develop a more targeted treatment plan based on the test results
• Avoid relying solely on a one-size-fits-all approach
• Monitor changes in bacterial levels with follow-up testing
• Evaluate how well treatment is controlling harmful bacteria

This is especially valuable because periodontal disease is a complex bacterial infection. Two patients with similar symptoms may have different combinations and levels of harmful bacteria. By identifying what is actually present in your mouth, we can treat your gum disease with greater precision and make more informed decisions about your care.

SimplyTest Perio can also be used after treatment to help determine whether problematic bacteria have been reduced or whether additional therapy may be beneficial. Combined with a comprehensive periodontal examination, this technology gives our team another powerful tool for treating gum disease at its source.

What are my treatment options for gum disease?

Non-surgical therapies:

In milder cases, we may recommend a combination of enhanced oral hygiene practices, such as improved brushing and flossing techniques, using a Waterpik with antimicrobial rinses, or taking oral prebiotics, probiotics, and certain supplements that support immune and gum health. Addressing underlying causes like sleep apnea can also be beneficial.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing):

This traditional method involves numbing the area and cleaning beneath the gumline (subgingivally) to remove tartar and plaque buildup. It’s typically performed by a dental hygienist and can clean up to 5mm below the gumline—deeper than what brushing or flossing can reach. However, this method does not kill bacteria—it simply removes their hiding places so your body can heal and fight off remaining pathogens.

Laser Gum Therapy with PerioLase®:

At Chaffin Dental Care, we also offer advanced laser therapy using the FDA-approved PerioLase® laser. This non-surgical treatment selectively targets and kills harmful bacteria while preserving healthy tissue. It also stimulates improved blood flow and healing in the treated areas. Laser therapy can be used alongside deep cleaning or as a standalone solution for deeper gum pockets (greater than 5mm).

Ready to stop gum disease at the source?

If you’re concerned about gum disease, don’t wait. The sooner we detect and treat the issue, the better the outcome for your oral and overall health. Call Chaffin Dental Care at (509) 467-6128 to schedule a consultation and find out which gum disease treatment is right for you!