Did you know that gum disease is one of the most prevalent oral health issues in the country? Most adults likely have some form of gum disease, and many don’t even know they have it. Left untreated, it can ravage the gums and underlying tissue, eventually leading to tooth loss. But gum disease can be treated and prevented.
Prevention is the best treatment for any ailment. And fortunately, gum disease is totally preventable. It is caused by bacteria that are found in the plaque that accumulates in your mouth. By removing the plaque with proper oral hygiene, the threat of gum disease is eliminated. This is one reason brushing and flossing are so important.
But what if gum disease has already set in? In its milder early stages, characterized by redness, swelling, and easy bleeding, it can often be reversed by redoubling hygiene efforts and getting a professional cleaning. If, however, it is more advanced gum disease, characterized by receding gums, painful chewing, and loose teeth, more drastic methods may be necessary.
At G Trevor Smith, we offer scaling and root planing for patients with more advanced gum disease. These are deep-cleaning methods that remove bacteria and stop the progress of infection. While late gum disease is not always reversible, it is usually treatable. Better, then, to treat it early or prevent it entirely.
If you have experienced symptoms of gum disease, please call our office right away. Our dentist is anxious to help meet your periodontal needs.
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