Make Gum Health A Priority
When patients mention visiting the dentist, the thought on most patients’ minds is about the state of their teeth and finding out whether they have decay and need a treatment, like a filling. It is very rare that we see a patient and their first question is about the state of their gums. From the time we are young, there is such an emphasis on how to properly care for our teeth that most of us don’t realize the importance of properly caring for our gums. You may be surprised to learn that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when harmful bacteria infect and inflame the gum tissue.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
One of the easiest ways to prevent gum disease is to establish an oral hygiene routine. Be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly for two minutes twice a day. Aside from cleaning your teeth, it is important to brush and clean along the gumline as well. We also recommend flossing at least once a day to remove any lingering food and bacteria from along the gumline and between the teeth. When food and bacteria are not cleaned from your mouth, they eventually turn into plaque. Plaque that continues to build up over time will cause periodontal disease. This is one of the biggest reasons we recommend visiting our office regularly for a hygiene examination and cleaning. Not only can we inspect for conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay, but we can also remove plaque along the gumline before it develops into a serious condition.
Can We Treat Gum Disease?
Thankfully, we are able to treat gum disease. Early detection and being diligent with our treatment recommendations will usually eliminate the possibility of needing a tooth extraction. Depending on the severity of the disease we find, we offer various treatments to improve your condition. We may recommend a treatment such as scaling and root planing.
If you are located in the Bowie, MD area and have any questions about gum disease or a recommended treatment plan, be sure to contact our office to schedule an appointment. We are here to help get your oral health back on track.
