Welcome

Bend, OR Periodontists - Central Oregon Perio
- Periodontology 97702

Good Overall Health Begins With Good Oral Health

Your oral health is based not only on the teeth, but the foundation that holds them in place.  This includes both the gum tissue as well as the jawbone itself.   

Cardiovascular disease: Higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis, possibly due to inflammation and bacteria entering the bloodstream.

Diabetes: A two-way relationship — gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control, and diabetes increases susceptibility to periodontal disease.

Respiratory diseases: Bacteria from the mouth may be aspirated into the lungs, contributing to pneumonia, COPD exacerbations, and other infections.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes: Linked to preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Inflammatory pathways seem to overlap; certain oral bacteria may play a role in triggering joint inflammation.

Chronic kidney disease: Associations with worse kidney function and outcomes.

Cognitive decline: Some studies suggest links with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Certain cancers: Research indicates possible associations with pancreatic, oral, and esophageal cancers.

How do I know If I have Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease can be sneaky because it often develops without pain at first.  If the disease goes undiagnosed or untreated it progresses and will eventually lead to the need for tooth extractions.

• Gum bleeding: Do your gums bleed almost every time you brush or floss? (Occasional bleeding from aggressive brushing isn’t unusual, but consistent bleeding is a red flag).

• Gum color & swelling: Healthy gums are usually firm and pink. Red, puffy, or tender gums suggest inflammation.

• Gum recession: Do your teeth look “longer” than before, or can you see the roots? That can mean gums are pulling away.

• Bad breath: Persistent bad breath or a bad taste, even after brushing, may come from gum infection.

• Loose teeth or shifting bite: Teeth that move slightly, or a change in how your bite feels, may indicate bone loss around them.

Your First Visit With Us

When you visit Central Oregon Perio, your oral health is our top priority.  Dr. Nick and his entire team are dedicated to providing you with the personalized, quality care that you deserve.

• Medical History Review: A thorough overview of your medical history is an essential part of your first visit.  Since the presence of periodontal disease can have a direct affect on other systems in your body we carefully review your overall health including current medications, past treatments and any other health concerns present that may affect your care in our office.

• Pocket depth measurements: Using a periodontal pocket measuring instrument , we will check to determine how deep the space is between your gums and teeth. Healthy is usually 1–3 mm; deeper pockets suggest the presence of periodontal disease.

• X-rays: It is important that we have current x-rays to show whether bone supporting the teeth is being lost.

Part of our commitment to serving our patients includes providing information that helps you make more informed decisions about your oral health needs.   

We genuinely hope this site is helpful to you in learning more about our practice, periodontal conditions and treatments, oral health recommendations, and more.

Central Oregon Perio, PC
1569 SW Nancy Way
Suite 3
Bend, OR 97702

Phone: (541) 317-0255 
General office contact:  gumdoc@centraloregonperio.com