Fair warning: In today’s post, we will be discussing something unpleasant. You should know that statistically, you are likely to experience it at least once in your life. For a few people, it can become a chronic condition.
Either way, it’s important that you take some time to learn about gum disease, and what you can do about it. At Advanced Dental Center, we want to keep your mouth as healthy as it can be, and that includes having healthy gums.
Call (843) 588-1919 today if you want to stop or treat a periodontal problem at our Florence, SC dentist office.
Protect Your Gums
Close to half of all adults 30 and older in the United States have some form of periodontitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. When you add in gingivitis (a milder form of gum disease), it’s easy to see why most people will have a gum infection at one time or another.
As a point of reference, healthy gums feel firm to the touch and are pink in color. Preventive care is your best option for keeping your gums healthy. These are things you already know that you should be doing. Brush your teeth twice daily, and floss between your teeth every day. Both of these steps remove plaque buildup, harmful bacteria, and food particles from your mouth. The reason flossing is so important is it cleans the parts of your mouth that your toothbrush doesn’t reach that well.
While most people know they should do this, surveys by the American Dental Association have shown that less than half of all Americans actually floss on a daily basis.
This also is why professional cleanings and exams should be part of your routine as well. By visiting us a few times each year, we can remove plaque and tartar buildup. Just as important, we can catch periodontal problems in the early stages. That’s when treatments are easier, less invasive, and more effective for you.
Be Ready To Act
If we notice signs of a gum infection, we want you to know as soon as possible. Many times, you can take care of any issues with nonsurgical gum disease treatment.
The first step is scaling and root planing. This is a two-step process that is a deeper cleaning that you get during a routine checkup. During this process, we go below the gumline to remove tartar and plaque from the roots of your teeth. Then we smooth the surface of the tooth, so it can reattach to your gum tissue more easily. In some cases, an antibiotic may be prescribed to reduce your risk of reinfection.
Should You Get Help For Your Gums?
If you are showing symptoms such as bleeding gums, swollen gums, sore gums, or receding gums, don’t wait to get checked. At Advanced Dental Center, you can restore your gum health, which could save your smile.
Call (843) 588-1919 or contact us online to request an appointment at our Florence, SC office.