Maintaining Healthy Smiles
A healthy body includes a healthy smile, which is why we focus on the overall health of your mouth. Every visit includes preventative maintenance to watch for signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Every exam includes an oral cancer screening, as well as complete health history assessment to understand your family history and lifestyle to assess your risk factors for any oral health-related concerns. We're always happy to share our wisdom and knowledge and give you customized tips on how to have a healthy mouth.
Healthy smiles come from healthy gums, so it's important to take care of your gums as much as your teeth. Periodontal (gum) disease is an avoidable infection that can be caused by a number of issues such as plaque buildup, tobacco use, and even the use of certain types of medication.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease Treatment
It has been estimated that 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease which can be linked to serious health complications and causes dental problems that are avoidable.
The 3 Stages of Gum Disease
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is caused by plaque and bacterial buildup around the gum line. If you neglect to brush or floss your teeth daily, these bacteria can grow and cause gum disease. Gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums. Gums that should otherwise be pink will appear red and swollen and you might experience bleeding when you brush or floss. However, at this point, gingivitis can still be reversed since the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have not yet been affected. The gum tissues heal once the irritants have been removed from the teeth and gums, thus eliminating gingivitis.
Stage 2: Periodontitis
If gingivitis is left untreated, the condition can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place have been irreversibly damaged. The spaces between your teeth and gums begin to form pockets, which are deep hollow areas around the teeth that trap plaque and bacteria. These deeper pockets allow plaque, bacteria, and tartar to accumulate, destroying the structures that support the teeth. Your gums may recede and form gaps between your teeth. Visiting us for immediate gum disease treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and tooth loss.
Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis
In this final stage of gum disease, periodontitis has progressed and become advanced periodontitis. Bacteria that was allowed to grow, spread, and cause destruction have destroyed the connective tissues and bone that support the teeth. The pockets that formed in the previous stage have become much deeper. Your teeth can shift or become loose. Loose teeth that move around in the mouth may affect your bite. At this stage, gum disease treatment is needed to save the teeth.
The stages of gum disease are progressive and can result in eventual tooth loss if left untreated. The earlier that this disease is identified and treated, the better your chances are to keep your teeth for the rest of your life.
Preventative Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the best way to avoid painful, expensive dental procedures as it stresses at-home dental care that will help prevent decay or disease. Preventive, or at-home, dental care is important because it results in healthy teeth and gums throughout one's life.
Many home care practices can help prevent disease or tooth decay, including brushing your teeth and tongue at least twice daily, flossing, and using mouthwash. However, it is also important to know how to floss and brush properly. Proper brushing techniques include using a soft, nylon manual or electric toothbrush. Floss should be used to clean in between teeth to help prevent tooth decay and gum infections.
Visiting your dentist every six months will also help prevent serious dental issues such as tooth decay or periodontal disease. Dental checkups and oral cancer screenings can catch things that you may have missed during your home care routine. Parents should make appointments for their children to see the dentist after their first tooth erupts as well as establish a good home care routine. Children should also see the dentist every six months.
Checkups and cleanings of preventive dentistry cannot be substituted with home care, but together, the two will help ensure that your smile will stay healthy and last a lifetime.
