
Oct
At Eagle Family Dental in Arlington, Washington, Dr. Bryce Duskin and the team often see patients who may not realize they have the early stages of gum disease. While some signs of gum disease are visible to patients—such as swollen or bleeding gums—many more subtle symptoms can only be identified through a dental examination. Early detection is key to preventing serious oral health issues, which is why regular checkups are crucial. Here, we discuss five periodontal disease symptoms that only a trained professional like Dr. Duskin or one of our dentists can detect, ensuring patients get the treatment they need before it’s too late.
One of the first signs of gum disease is the development of periodontal pockets. These are spaces between the teeth and gums that become deeper as the disease progresses. While you may not notice this change on your own, Dr. Duskin and the team use specialized tools to measure the depth of these pockets during a routine dental exam. Healthy gums have pockets that measure between 1-3 millimeters. Anything deeper than 4 millimeters could indicate gum disease and require immediate treatment to prevent further progression.
Gum disease can cause the jawbone to deteriorate over time, a symptom that is invisible to the naked eye. Through dental X-rays, Dr. Duskin and the team can detect even minor bone loss, which can compromise the stability of your teeth. Early detection of bone loss is critical for preventing tooth loss and other complications. Catching this issue early allows Dr. Duskin and the team to provide interventions, such as deep cleaning or other gum treatments, to stop or slow down the bone loss process.
While some patients may notice visible gum recession, it’s often so gradual that it goes undetected without regular dental checkups. Gum recession occurs when the tissue surrounding your teeth wears away, exposing more of the tooth and sometimes the tooth’s root. Dr. Duskin and the team can identify areas where the gums are receding, even if the changes aren’t apparent to you yet. Left untreated, gum recession can lead to sensitivity, decay, and eventually tooth loss.
Even if your gums appear healthy on the surface, inflammation can be lurking beneath the gum line. This hidden inflammation is a major indicator of periodontal disease and can only be identified during a professional dental cleaning or examination. Dr. Duskin and the team at Eagle Family Dental use advanced diagnostic tools to detect inflammation that could lead to more serious gum problems if left untreated. By addressing inflammation early, you can avoid more invasive treatments down the road.
Gum disease can cause the teeth to shift subtly, leading to changes in how your teeth come together when you bite or chew. This symptom is usually too minor for patients to notice initially but can lead to significant bite problems over time. During regular dental visits, Dr. Duskin and the team check for subtle changes in tooth alignment, which may indicate underlying periodontal issues. Treating gum disease early can help maintain your natural bite and prevent the need for orthodontic treatment later on.
While some signs of gum disease are obvious, many symptoms can only be detected by a dentist through a thorough examination. By visiting Dr. Bryce Duskin and the team at Eagle Family Dental in Arlington, WA, for regular checkups, you can ensure that any early signs of periodontal disease are caught and treated before they become more severe. If you’re concerned about your gum health or have noticed any changes in your mouth, don’t wait—contact Eagle Family Dental today at (360) 322-1251 to schedule an appointment and protect your smile for years to come.
Dr. Bryce Duskin
Dr. Bryce Duskin, a highly skilled dentist from Arlington, Washington, holds a DDS from the University of Washington and a BS in Zoology from Washington State University. As a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, he is among the top 2% of dentists nationally. Dr. Duskin is active in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the Inland Empire Perio Study Club, and the American Dental Association. His expertise in preventive care, esthetic restorations, and implant dentistry is bolstered by extensive advanced training and hands-on experience with the Inland Empire Perio Study Club. Active in community service through the Rotary Club and local charities, Dr. Duskin is dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care with a focus on patient satisfaction and community involvement.
Dr. Ally Mueller
A skilled dentist in Arlington, Dr. Ally Mueller graduated Magna Cum Laude in Biochemistry from the University of Washington, completing the UW Honors College curriculum. After earning her DDS with honors from the University of Washington School of Dentistry, she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. Dr. Mueller is currently advancing her expertise at the renowned Kois Center and is an active member of the Washington State Dental Association, UW Dental Alumni, ADA, and Seattle King County Dental Association.
Dr. Gavin McNelis
Accomplished Arlington dentist Dr. Gavin McNelis earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology/Physiology from the University of Washington in 2015. He served as a dental assistant at the Dental Fears Research Clinic before earning his DDS at the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2020 as the first student elected Student Body President for two consecutive years. After a General Practice Residency in the Portland VA Healthcare System, Dr. McNelis continues to advance his education, working towards his Masters in the Academy of General Dentistry and as a member of the Inland Empire Periodontal Study Club.
Dr. Arezoo Holdaway
Proficient Arlington dentist Dr. Arezoo Holdaway earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Washington. She went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and a Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University. Dr. Holdaway is an active member of the American Dental Association, ADA Washington State Chapter, AGD Washington State Chapter, and Academy of General Dentistry. Committed to continuous education, she stays current with the latest advancements in dentistry and dental technology to provide her patients with the highest standards of care.