Dear patients and friends,

We have good news! We have secured a temporary space with some needed equipment, and are starting to see patients there. The office is located about 8 minutes from our previous location, in the Sylvan Highlands building. We will be contacting patients to reschedule appointments that had to be canceled due to the fire. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns, or are wondering when you can be seen. Thank you all for your patience and understanding during this time.

Sincerely,
Dr. Tom Pollard and Dr. Jill Pollard

Gum Disease

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by the bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease:

•	Gums that bleed easily
•	Red, swollen, tender gums
•	Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
•	Persistent bad breath or bad taste
•	Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
•	Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
•	Any change in the fit of partial dentures

There are many factors that increase the risk of developing gum disease, including: smoking, pregnancy and diabetes. It is important to visit Pollard Family Dentistry if you suspect you have gum disease, because the sooner you treat it, the better.

The Early Stage of Gum Disease Is Called Gingivitis

If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.

Advanced Gum Disease Is Called Periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.

Aggressive periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue and bone, and may occur in localized areas or in the entire mouth. Periodontal disease cannot be cured, however, we have measures to help slow or stop the progression.

Research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing. While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke.

Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. The treatment methods that our dentists diagnose will depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is essential for helping to keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious.

Call us at (503) 223-7682 to schedule your appointment and find the right gum disease treatment for you.

Office hours

Mon–Thurs 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Location

5440 SW Westgate Dr. #390
Portland, OR 97221-2449

Contact

Office: (503) 223-7682

Connect

drpollard@
secure.myservlink.com

Pollard Family Dentistry, 5440 SW Westgate Dr. #390, Portland, OR 97221 \ (503) 223-7682 \ nwpollard.com \ 2/27/2023 \ Page Phrases: dentist Portland OR \