Healthy smiles are our goal for every patient who visits Advanced Dental Center.
It’s why our slogan is, “Keep your smile for life!” It’s something we take seriously at out Florence, SC dentist office.
It’s also why we want you to know about gum disease and about our treatment options. Periodontal disease — not tooth decay, not accidents or injuries — causes the highest amount of tooth loss in the United States.
Nevertheless, we would rather help you prevent those problems. If you haven’t scheduled your next dental appointment, then call (843) 588-1919 today. Whether you need to clear gum infection or you want to stop one, we can help.
Know the Signs
Are you have any of these symptoms?
- Bleeding gums
- Tender, red gums
- Gums that are separating from your teeth
- Constant bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
- Teeth that feel loose
The first two items on this list are symptoms of gingivitis, which is the mild form of gum disease. The final three are clues that you have developed periodontitis, which is considered advanced gum disease.
The sooner you recognize these signs and seek help, the more effective your treatment will be. So, contact us today if you are already seeing one or more of the symptoms mentioned above.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
We know we would rather avoid gum surgery, which is why we offer non-surgical treatments for our patients dealing with infected gums.
The first step is often a two-part treatment call scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. This can irritate your gums, leading allowing bacteria to cause infections. By getting rid of the plaque and tartar, your gums have an opportunity to heal.
Root planing is done to smooth out the surface of the roots of your teeth. This makes it more difficult for bacteria and plaque to build up. It also makes it easier for your gums to reattach to your teeth if they have started to separate from one another.
To reduce your risk of reinfection, we may recommend an antiseptic mouthrinse. We also can discuss the proper technique for flossing, which can also go a long way toward fighting more infections in the future. In just a few minutes per day, you can do a lot to protect your gums and your smile.
Take Steps to Protect Your Smile
If you want to keep your teeth, then you need to care for your gums as well. The basics are a great place to start.
Follow the ADA recommendations. Brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride to scrub your teeth. It’s equally important to floss every day to clean the spaces between your teeth and gums.
Last but not least, remember to schedule regular visits to Advanced Dental Center in Florence for regular cleanings and exams.
Call (843) 588-1919 or fill out our online form to request your appointment.