Treatments for Gum Disease
Providing a Lifetime of Dentistry that Cares
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an incredibly common problem, with over half of all American adults having some form of periodontitis, by the age of 30, and 70%+ of adults over the age 65, who are currently suffering from advanced gum disease.
Gum disease or periodontal disease, which manifests itself as inflammation and/or infection of the gums, can lead to deterioration of the jawbone if it is left untreated for long enough. Periodontal disease is the most common cause for loss of teeth in adults, even more so than decay.
There are many significant health problems that occur in adults, that are associated with gum disease, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. While these are harrowing statistics, the good news is that with proper oral health interventions, periodontal disease can be reversed and dramatic improvements to one’s health can be made.
At Brook West Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing our patients with the care and support they need. If you believe you may be suffering from gum disease and would like to schedule an appointment or have any questions concerning gum disease, please contact our staff, who will be happy to answer any and all of your questions. We are proud to provide one-of-a-kind personalized care that is tailored to your unique needs.
Avoiding Gum Disease
Despite its prevalence among adults, gum disease is completely preventable provided you follow a good and consistent oral health routine and continue scheduling regular dental cleanings.
Be sure that you continue brushing your teeth twice a day at a minimum, and generally first thing in the morning and then again at night. There are also many effective mouthwashes on the market that work to address gum disease.
In addition to consistently brushing your teeth, flossing is an incredibly powerful defense against the buildup of plaque. If you want to truly limit your likelihood of developing gum disease, flossing once a day is one of the most effective methods for doing so.
Another way to help prevent gum disease from developing is to maintain a healthy diet and have a regular exercise routine. Doing both of these things not only improves your oral health, but your overall body health as well.
Finally, scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings twice a year is an incredibly effective way to both prevent gum disease from developing, and catching gum disease early, and beginning treatment.