Gum disease care for Issaquah patients
Gum disease care for Issaquah is at Dr. Bhat’s office in downtown Bellevue, about 20 minutes away. Once gum disease starts, professional care is needed to stop it progressing: it can’t be completely reversed, but a cleaning is one of the tools Dr. Bhat can use to halt it.
- from Issaquah to the Bellevue office
- About 20 min
- between cleanings if you have periodontitis
- 3–4 months
Gum disease risk in Issaquah
Gum disease is mainly caused by the bacteria in plaque, and several things can accelerate it, smoking and diabetes among them. Here is how Issaquah measures on both, and on age.
About 60% of US adults 65 and older had periodontitis in 2009–2014.
42% of adults 30 and older with natural teeth had it. Eke et al., Journal of the American Dental Association, 2018.
- of Issaquah adults have diagnosed diabetesKing County: 7.3%
- 6.4%
- of Issaquah adults smoke cigarettesKing County: 7.2%
- 5.7%
- of Issaquah residents are 65 or olderMedian age: 37.5
- 14.5%
Diabetes and smoking: CDC PLACES modeled estimates for 2023, not a count of residents. Age: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024.
When to book a gum check from Issaquah
Gingivitis is the early, often reversible stage of gum disease.
Home care can’t clear everything from gum pockets. Catching damaging buildup takes the experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized equipment.
Your gums still bleed after weeks of flossing
Bleeding from early gingivitis should stop within a few weeks of daily flossing. Bleeding that continues past that point needs an exam, not less flossing: why gums bleed when you floss.
You’ve been told you have periodontitis
Cleanings are recommended every three to four months for people with periodontitis, rather than twice a year.
You smoke or have diabetes
Gum disease is mainly caused by the bacteria in plaque, and both smoking and diabetes can accelerate it.
You’re due for your twice-yearly cleaning
A cleaning twice a year is recommended as a preventive measure, to remove the buildup home care leaves behind.
What a maintenance schedule means from Issaquah
A cleaning twice a year is recommended as a preventive measure. With periodontitis, it should be every three to four months. From Issaquah, that is the difference between two trips a year and three or four.
Why closer together after periodontitis? The American Academy of Periodontology describes maintenance as continuing for the life of the teeth once active treatment ends, and its published guidance found visits about every three months effective for most people with a history of periodontitis. Letting maintenance lapse, it notes, can let the disease return or progress.
When gum care involves a periodontist
The practice may refer patients to dental specialists, periodontists among them. When your dentist refers you to a periodontist, it is because your gums require special attention, and the periodontist and your dentist work together as a team.
The ADA recognizes periodontics as the specialty covering the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the tissues that support and surround the teeth, and keeping those tissues healthy.
Dental specialistsGum disease questions from Issaquah
Gum care questions from Issaquah patients. Anything not covered here is a phone call away.
Still have a question? Call 425-827-3097.
Page updated November 2026.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the early stage, is often reversible. Once gum disease has gone further it can’t be completely reversed, but a cleaning is one of the tools Dr. Bhat can use to halt its progression.
How often will I need cleanings if I have periodontitis?
Every three to four months. Without periodontitis, a cleaning twice a year is recommended as a preventive measure.
My gums bleed when I floss. Should I come in?
Bleeding from early gingivitis should stop within a few weeks of daily flossing as the gums heal. Bleeding that continues past that point needs an exam, not less flossing.
Will I need to see a periodontist?
The practice may refer patients to periodontists. When your dentist refers you to a periodontist, it is because your gums require special attention, and the periodontist and your dentist work together as a team.
Issaquah, keep your gums
ahead of gum disease
Call 425-827-3097Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Bellevue, WA