How to Clean & Care for Invisalign in Gresham

Picture this: You look in the mirror one day and notice your teeth look longer… your smile feels different… and suddenly a tooth is loose.

That “sudden” moment? It actually started years ago — while you felt nothing at all. Almost HALF of adults over 30 already have gum disease destroying the bone around their teeth right now (CDC) — and 99% of them have no pain until it’s expensive or too late.

But here’s what most dentists won’t tell you upfront:
If we catch it in stage 1 or 2, we can almost always stop it completely — and you keep every single tooth.

The 4 stages (and how fast they sneak up):

1. Gingivitis → Bleeding gums today → Fixed in 2 weeks
2. Early Periodontitis → Silent bone loss starts → Still 100% savable
3. Moderate → Teeth shifting, gaps appearing → Damage speeding up
4. Advanced → Teeth falling out, thousands in implants → Often preventable

Every single day you wait, you lose bone that will never comes back on its own. But every patient who walks through our door today saying “I should have come sooner” leaves saying “I’m so glad I finally did.” Don’t let your smile become another regret story.

Book your quick, painless gum check right now — most people discover they’re only in stage 1 or 2 and breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Book an appointment or call us. Your future smile is counting on you today.

---

The 4 Stages of Gum Disease

Stage 1: Gingivitis – Completely Reversible

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It happens when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up on teeth and makes the gums sore.

Common signs:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding when you brush or floss
• Bad breath

Good news: There is no damage to the bone or tissues yet.
Pocket depths are still normal (1–3 mm).
With a professional cleaning and better daily brushing and flossing, gingivitis goes away completely in just 1–2 weeks.

Most patients who bleed during their cleaning are at this stage — and they leave with perfectly healthy gums.

Stage 2: Early Periodontitis – Damage Has Started (But Still Very Treatable)

Now the infection has moved below the gum line. Small pockets (4–5 mm) form between the teeth and gums.

Signs you may notice:

• Gums starting to pull away from teeth
• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Slight sensitivity

The bone has lost 10–20% of its support (we can see this on X-rays).

Treatment: A deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing (done comfortably with numbing). We often place tiny antibiotic beads right where they’re needed.

When patients follow up every 3 months, the disease stops in over 95% of cases. We can still save every tooth at this stage.

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis – Damage You Can See and Feel

Pockets are now deeper (6–7 mm). Gums pull back, teeth may feel a little loose, and spaces can appear between teeth. Bone loss is 30–50%.

Treatment: We often use laser therapy or gentle surgery to clean deeply and help the gums reattach. With regular care, we can stop the disease and sometimes even grow new bone.

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis – Serious Risk of Losing Teeth

Pockets are very deep (over 7 mm). There is major bone loss (over 50%), and teeth can shift, shift or become very loose.

Signs:

• Constant bad taste
• Frequent sore spots or abscesses
• Pain when chewing

Treatment: More advanced surgery, bone grafts, splinting loose teeth, and sometimes removing teeth that cannot be saved and replacing them with implants.

At this stage our goal is to save as many natural teeth as possible and restore a healthy, comfortable smile.

The earlier gum disease is found and treated, the easier it is to fix — and the more teeth we can save for life.

---

Quick Comparison Table

Stage	Pocket Depth	Bone Loss	Reversibility	Typical Treatment
1. Gingivitis	1–3 mm	None	100% reversible	Pro cleaning + better hygiene
2. Early Periodontitis	4–5 mm	10–20%	Stops with treatment	Deep cleaning (scaling/root planing)
3. Moderate	6–7 mm	30–50%	Halts with surgery	Laser therapy or flap surgery
4. Advanced	≥8 mm	>50%	Partial salvage only	Surgery, grafting, implants

---

Prevention That Actually Works in Gresham, OR

• Brush 2× daily with electric toothbrush
• Floss or Waterpik nightly
• Use therapeutic mouth rinse (we recommend CloSYS or PerioGuard)
• Professional cleanings every 3–6 months (depending on stage)
• Quit smoking/vaping – it doubles your risk overnight

---

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease

What are the 4 stages of gum disease?

The four stages are:

1. Gingivitis
2. Early Periodontitis
3. Moderate Periodontitis
4. Advanced Periodontitis

Is gingivitis reversible?

Yes — 100% reversible with a professional cleaning and better daily brushing and flossing.

How fast does gum disease progress?

It can take anywhere from a few months to 10+ years. Smoking, diabetes, and poor hygiene make it progress 2–3 times faster.

Can teeth be saved in advanced stages?

Yes. We save teeth every week that other offices said needed to be pulled.

How do I know what stage of gum disease I have?

Only a dentist can tell for sure. We gently measure the pockets around your teeth and take X-rays to see any bone loss. Most people have no idea they have it until we check.

How is gingivitis treated during pregnancy?

Pregnancy gingivitis is very common because of hormones. It is safely treated with gentle professional cleanings (safe in all trimesters), better home care, and special rinses. We avoid unnecessary medicines and X-rays.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for dental pain?

The 3-3-3 rule is a short-term way to control toothache pain: take 3 ibuprofen tablets (200 mg each = 600 mg total) three times a day for up to three days — but only if ibuprofen is safe for you. It helps reduce swelling while you wait for your dental visit. Always call us instead of relying on pills.

What organs can be affected by gum disease or bad teeth?

The bacteria from infected gums can travel through the bloodstream and raise the risk of:

• Heart disease & stroke
• Worsening diabetes
• Lung infections
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Pregnancy complications in pregnancy
• Kidney problems

Good oral health protects your whole body.

Can a gum infection cause diarrhea?

Rarely on its own, but if the infection becomes severe and spreads (sepsis), it can cause stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea along with fever and feeling very sick. This is an emergency — come in right away or go to the ER.

Ready to find out your exact stage and stop gum disease before it causes bigger problems?
Call us today or book online for a gentle, no-pressure periodontal check. Most insurance accepted, payment plans available.

Ready to find out exactly which stage you’re in (most people are surprised it’s earlier than they think)?

Call (503) 667‐1184 or book online today for a comprehensive periodontal evaluation + digital scans. New patients get free take-home prevention kit with booking in November 2025.