Did you know that the studies from the Centers for Disease Control show half of United States adults over 30 suffer from some form of gum disease? Even though this very serious disease is very widespread, you can still take steps to protect your smile. With thorough and routine dental care you can help prevent gum disease.
Common Questions About Gum Disease Prevention
Question: What causes gum disease?
Answer: The disease begins as inflammation, or gingivitis. Once the inflammation causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets at the gum line, bacteria can invade these pockets, allowing the disease to form. Causes of gingivitis may include plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene, hormonal fluctuations, inflammatory illnesses, medication, or tobacco use.
Question: How do I know If I need treatment?
Answer: The warning signs of inflammation include soreness in the gums, redness, or bleeding when you brush or floss. As the disease develops you may notice chronic bad breath, loose teeth, and gum recession. In the advanced stage, periodontitis, you may also develop adult tooth loss.
Question: How do I prevent the disease?
Answer: By taking better care of your smile you can limit the chances of inflammation occurring. We suggest brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. We also suggest having your teeth professionally cleaned once every six months. You should also stop smoking or using tobacco products.
Question: Will I need a scaling and root planing?
Answer: If you have gingivitis, we can often treat the problem with a scaling and root planing. Also known as a deep cleaning, this completely removes plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and under the gums.
Visit Our Office in Baxter, MN!
Dr. Clinton L. Roberts and the friendly staff at Greenhaven Family Dental are happy to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile with a comprehensive approach to general dentistry. With years of training and experience in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Roberts is also adept at helping patients treat snoring and sleep apnea so they can rest more easily (and quietly). To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call our office in Baxter, MN, today at (218) 454-0523. We proudly welcome patients from Brainerd, Little Falls, Staples, Crosby-Ironton-Deerwood, and all surrounding communities.