Don’t Give Up The Fight Against Gum Disease

Relentless. Unforgiving. Unflinching.

If we used those words to describe an athlete, it would probably be intended to praise his or her focus and determination.

We could also use those words to describe the bacteria that cause gum disease. In this case, it wouldn’t be meant as a compliment. Instead, these words should serve as a reminder that the fight to stop gum disease never ends.

Fortunately, you don’t have to fight alone. Dr. Hugh B. Rosenblatt and the team at our dentist office in Boynton Beach, FL, are on your side.

We can help with your gum disease prevention, and we can help treat gum disease when needed.

In order for us to help, we need to see you a few times every year for routine dental cleanings and exams. You can request an appointment by calling (561) 877-3802 or by filling out our online contact form.

Prevention Is Always The Best Option

Preventing problems is always better than dealing with them after they have started. This is why we encourage all our patients to follow the American Dental Association’s recommendation for preventive care at home.

That means doing two things — brushing and flossing your teeth — every day. Now, let’s get more specific about what we mean.

You should brush your teeth twice daily. This means scrubbing your teeth on all side for two minutes each time. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a pea-sized squeeze of fluoride toothpaste.

Remember to change your toothbrush every three to four months. If your bristles are wearing out more often than that, you may be brushing too hard, which can damage your teeth and your gums.

As important as brushing is, your toothbrush isn’t as effective cleaning between your teeth or below your gumline. That’s why you should floss daily, too.

Dental floss, flossers, and water flossers are all effective ways to remove plaque and food particles from the harder to reach places.

Regular professional dental cleanings and exams should be part of your preventive care as well. As a reminder, you can call 561-877-3802 to make an appointment at our office if you live in or near Boynton Beach, FL.

Stages Of Gum Disease

For most people, gum disease develops slowly. Many times, this is painless during the early stages, which is why it’s important to know what to look for so you can get help before the pain (and other problems) begin.

▸ Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the mild form of gum disease. When your gums first become infected, they may appear redder or more swollen than usual.

Another clue that you have gingivitis is bleeding. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, that’s a symptom of a gum infection It’s also evidence that either you aren’t flossing correctly or as often as you should.

By following the ADA recommendations closely, you can sometimes reverse gum disease at this stage.

▸ Periodontitis

If your gingivitis is allowed to persist, it can develop into periodontitis. Extra flossing won’t make a difference at this stage. You will need professional help to treat this.

If your gums feel tender or sore or your gum tissue appears to be receding (pulling away) from your teeth, there is good chance that you have periodontitis. You may notice bleeding occurs more easily, too.

Over time, you may notice a constant bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath.

With time, you bacteria also may start to eat into the bone that holds your teeth in place. Loose teeth can be a symptom of advanced gum disease. It’s also a fact the gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States.

Treating Gum Disease

If you can’t prevent gum disease, your next best option is to get treated as early as possible.

That’s something we can do for you at Dr. Rosenblatt’s office. Many times, our first step is a procedure called scaling and root planing. This is deeper cleaning than you would receive during a routine visit.

As part of scaling and root planing, we will get below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the roots of your teeth.

If your gum disease requires additional measures, we will discuss that with you at that time.

Plan Your Next Visit

Whether you need routine care or you suspect you may have gum disease, don’t hesitate to contact us. Call 561-877-3802 or use our online form to request your next visit to our Boynton Beach dental practice.