As your partner in oral health, we think that teeth are a pretty big deal. Accordingly, we like to find ways for you to give them plenty of attention. Still, we also know that having healthy gums is just as essential to maintaining a great-looking smile. That’s why today we want to talk about the dangers of gum disease, which is actually the #1 cause of tooth loss among American adults. Keep reading to hear more about it, and then give us a call at 952-679-1365 to request your consultation at our Bloomington, MN dentist’s office.

Preventing Gum Disease

As part of your preventive dentistry hygiene routine, you ought to be thoroughly brushing your teeth on a daily basis. Be sure you are following the American Dental Association recommendations to brush twice a day for two minutes at a stretch.

This is a good first move for preventing gum disease since brushing will remove lots of surface bacteria that can cause it to unfold.

We say it’s a good initial move because the ADA also recommends flossing daily as well. Cleaning between your teeth is necessary since your toothbrush can’t reach those spaces between your teeth and gums.

Perhaps the best thing you can do for your smile is visit us every 3-6 months for a preventive checkup exam and professional teeth cleaning. If we notice that you are exhibiting signs of gum disease, we’ll be able to jump into action early enough to make a difference.

Recognizing Gum Disease

Early detection and treatment is always your best bet. However, gum disease can develop undetected for a long time since it is often not painful until it reaches an advanced stage.

Here are some warning signs to watch for, broken down by progressive stages:

Gingivitis

This is the earliest level of gum disease, and it’s symptoms are relatively mild.

Your gums may appear more red than usual. Your gums may also seem to be somewhat swollen. Plus, your gums may bleed when you brush or floss.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis (aka periodontal disease) is the more advanced form of gum disease. Its symptoms are more noticeable too. The warning signs include gums that bleed easily and feel tender, ongoing bad breath or a weird taste in your mouth, gums that seem to be separating from your teeth, and teeth that feel loose.

What We Can Do To Fight Gum Disease

If you do notice the aforementioned symptoms of gum disease, then we can help. Obviously, we prefer to use non-surgical treatments for gum disease when we can. One way we do this is with scaling and root planing.

If you’ve had a professional dental cleaning, then you will understand scaling and root planing. This is similar to what happens during a routine visit, only we clean deeper to remove plaque and tartar build-up around the roots of your teeth.

In some cases, we may recommend follow-up treatment that you can do at home to reduce your risk of a recurring periodontal infection. In more serious cases, we may need to look at more advanced treatments.

Call Today To Get Good Help

We hope you have been inspired to call our Bloomington, MN dental office today at 952-679-1365 or contact us online to request an easy appointment at Weddell Dental. We can explore gum disease prevention and/or treatment options.