Oral Inflammation Treatment in Portland ME

Your mouth is talking to you—even if it’s not saying a word. Swollen, red, or tender gums? That’s not normal. That’s inflammation. And while it might seem like a small irritation, it could be a major warning sign that something deeper is going on.

As a periodontist, I see it all the time: patients brushing off minor gum issues until they’re dealing with serious damage. Here’s the truth—oral inflammation in Portland ME is the gateway to gum disease, and if we don’t address it early, it doesn’t just stay in your mouth. It can affect your entire body.

Let’s unpack why inflammation happens, what it means, and how we treat it at Portland Center for Dentistry before it turns into something bigger.

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What Is Oral Inflammation in Portland ME?

In simple terms, oral inflammation is your body’s immune response to irritation, usually caused by plaque, tartar, or bacteria around the gum line. When that bacteria isn’t removed, your immune system sends reinforcements, creating swelling, redness, and sensitivity as it tries to fight off the threat.

At first, it might just look like puffy gum or a little bleeding when you floss. But over time? That inflammation starts breaking down the very tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s a silent progression—from mild gingivitis to full-blown periodontitis—unless we catch it and treat it early.

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Oral Inflammation Signs You Might Be Ignoring

Sometimes inflammation is obvious. Other times, it’s subtle—until it’s not. Keep an eye out for:

• Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
• A swollen or shiny appearance to your gum tissue
• Bad breath that won’t go away, no matter how much you rinse
• A dull ache or throbbing near the gums
• Gums that feel tender or pull away from the teeth

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time for a professional evaluation. You don’t have to wait until there’s pain to take action.

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Why Treating Inflammation Matters

Here’s the thing: inflammation doesn’t respect boundaries. Left untreated, oral inflammation can allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream, triggering inflammation elsewhere in your body. Studies have linked chronic gum inflammation to serious conditions like:

• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Pregnancy complications

So, when we treat oral inflammation, we’re not just protecting your gums—we’re supporting your full-body health.

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How We Treat Oral Inflammation as Portland ME Periodontists

Our approach isn’t one-size-fits-all. We assess the source and severity of inflammation, then create a treatment plan that tackles it at the root—literally.

Here’s what treatment might involve:

• Professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup
• Scaling and root planing to clean deep beneath the gum line
• Antibacterial rinses or localized antibiotics to reduce bacterial load
• Laser therapy to target infected tissue without invasive surgery
• Gum tissue evaluation to check for deeper pockets or bone loss
• Home care recommendations to keep the inflammation from returning

Think of it as a reset button for your gums—clearing out the bad and giving your tissue a chance to heal.

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Prevention Starts With Awareness

Oral inflammation in Portland ME doesn’t always come with a loud alarm bell. That’s why routine visits, self-checks, and a little bit of vigilance go a long way. The earlier we detect inflammation, the more conservative (and comfortable) your treatment will be.

And let’s be real—healthy gums just feel better. They don’t bleed, they don’t swell, and they certainly don’t ache. Prevention is simpler than cure. But if you’re already dealing with symptoms, the next best time to treat them is now.

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Don't ignore what your gums are telling you.

If you're noticing signs of inflammation—or just want to stay ahead of it—schedule a consultation today. We’ll take a close look, create a plan, and help you protect your oral (and overall) health from the inside out.