Do you have gum disease? Many adults in the United States suffer from gum disease, but since it is often painless during the early stages, you may not be aware that you have it. If your gums have felt swollen or tender; if your gums bleed when you brush or floss; if you are experiencing loose teeth or chronic bad breath you should talk to Dr. Kevin Park about gum disease.
There are different causes of gum disease, but the primary cause is a buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. As plaque increases and hardens into tartar, your gums react by swelling, which will allow more plaque to reach below your gumline. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to loose teeth, a loss of mass in your jawbone, and other health problems.
Brushing for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing at least a once day will go a long way to keeping plaque at bay. Regular visits to your dentist will allow him to remove any plaque your toothbrush did not reach, and to check for signs of gum disease.
If you are still in the early stages of gum disease, your dentist might be able to treat you with two processes, known as scaling and root planing. In scaling, the dentist will use an instrument to remove the plaque and tartar from the surface of your tooth, above and below the gumline. During a root planing, the dentist will clean and smooth the roots of your tooth so they can re-attach themselves to your jaw.
If you are concerned about the health of your gums, we would be happy to see you for a cleaning and examination. If you live in the Snohomish, Washington area and would like to make an appointment at Park Dental of Edmonds & Snohomish, give us a call at 360-568-2153. We’re excited to welcome you to our practice!
