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According to the Centers for Disease Control, half of adults over the age of 30 suffer from some form of periodontal disease. Unfortunately, few people seem to realize that with routine care, you can stop gum disease from forming and safeguard your smile. What can you do to protect your smile?

Try Our Quiz on Gum Disease Prevention

  1. True or False: Brushing and flossing can help protect your smile.
  2. True or False: Symptoms of gingivitis can include sore, red gums.
  3. True or False: Cleanings are very important.
  4. True or False: We can reverse gingivitis with an ultrasonic scaling and root planing.

Answer Key

  1. True. When you brush and floss your teeth, you remove food particles, harmful bacteria, and can help limit the amount of plaque buildup that occurs. Doing so can reduce the risk of gingivitis and gum disease. You need to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes per session. We also suggest flossing every night.
  2. True. Signs you may need a dentist can include soreness in the gums, a redder appearance than normal, or bleeding when you brush and floss. Don’t ignore these potential symptoms, as the issue can continue to grow worse. Once gum disease forms, it cannot be cured, only managed.
  3. True. A cleaning allows the dentist or hygienist to remove all plaque from the teeth, something no amount of brushing and flossing can do. You should have your teeth cleaned once every six months to protect your smile from periodontal disease.
  4. True. Gingivitis can be reversed, and to do so we may perform a scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning. We can also use this procedure to help manage gum disease, safeguarding your smile against premature tooth loss.

Do You Need a Cleaning?

Remember, routine dental care can strengthen your smile and help prevent the onset of periodontal disease. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call our office in Baxter, MN at (218) 454-0523. We proudly welcome patients from Brainerd, Little Falls, Staples, Crosby-Ironton-Deerwood, and all surrounding communities.