Gum Disease
Gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease, is a very common dental problem and can cause discomfort if untreated. In fact, 8 out of 10 people will develop gum disease at some point during their life. The good news is that there are a number of things that can be done to prevent gum disease. Below are some gum disease prevention tips and if you have any questions or feel you may have symptoms of gum disease, please call our office as soon as possible to be checked out by an experienced Charlotte NC general dentist.
See Our Dentists Regularly
It is highly recommended that you see our dentists at least once every six months for a regular checkups, exams and even dental x-rays. Taking a proactive approach to your oral hygiene will drastically improve your dental health as you age and your children’s teeth begin to fall out and fill in.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Brushing and flossing are two of the most important things that can be done for gum disease prevention. You will need to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day to help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup both on the tooth surface and between the teeth and gum lines.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking can remarkably increase your risk of developing gum disease. In fact, approximately 50% of the people who are diagnosed with gum disease are smokers. That is why our dentists strongly suggest you avoid smoking.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
If you do develop gum disease, then there are several ways that can be treated. Mild gum disease can usually be treated with a professional dental cleaning as well as daily brushing and flossing. Deep cleaning and medications can be used to treat more severe cases of gum disease. In some cases, the dentist will recommend surgery for periodontal disease treatment. Flap surgery and bone and tissue grafts are two forms of surgery that may be recommended.
