Preventing Gum Disease in Chandler, AZAt Scholes Periodontics & Implants, we are passionate about your oral health. Specifically, we focus on the gums in your mouth, so when the topic of preventing gum disease comes up, we have a lot to say! Cavities aren’t the only consequences of allowing your oral health to slip; the gums can be affected by the same bacteria that cause cavities. There are two stages of gum disease, early (gingivitis), and late (periodontitis). At it’s early stages, gum disease can be treated and reversed. Once you have developed periodontitis, we can only treat the symptoms of the disease; we cannot cure it. So, with these facts in mind, let’s take a look at what you can do to prevent gum disease altogether! Early Detection is Key in Preventing Gum DiseaseThe best way to prevent gum disease is to brush and floss regularly; two times a day, without fail. Avoid sugary or acidic foods and tobacco products of any kind. If you do start to develop gum disease, early detection is your best bet to prevent it from taking control of your mouth. Come in for regular checkups, and you will be doing your part to prevent gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 47.2% of Americans have some form of gum disease. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The best method for prevention of gum disease and cavities is regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental checkups and cleanings. Periodontal Disease Can Lead to Other Health IssuesThe health of the gums has been shown to be closely tied to your overall health. This is sometimes refered to as the mouth-body connection. The gums are exposed to lots of dangerous bacteria that live in your mouth. Your gums also have a complex network of capillaries and blood vessels running through them. Infection can easily enter the bloodstream if it affects the gums. Often the earlier that problems are discovered the easier and less costly they are to repair. Even with the best preventative care, problems can still arise that require professional help. A Dental Cleaning is Not EnoughIf you suffer from advanced periodontitis, a regular dental cleaning is not enough to treat the symptoms of the disease. We can treat periodontitis in ways that your dentist cannot, with scaling and root planing, or deep cleanings that function to remove plaque below the gumline and give you relief from the more intense symptoms. Many different factors can affect the health of your gums negatively. These include medications, stress, genetics, tobacco use, poor nutrition, and clenching or grinding your teeth. Tobacco Use is a Big Factor in Gum DiseaseIf you use either chewing tobacco or smoke cigarettes/cigars you are ten times more likely to develop gum disease than someone who does not use tobacco. For this reason, if you use tobacco you should consider coming in for regular cleanings to ensure that we can make sure that your gums stay healthy. Please call us today at (602) 900-1609 to schedule an appointment. |
 Scholes Periodontics & Implants
Dr. Scholes 595 N Dobson Rd B#34 Chandler, AZ 85224 O: (602) 900-1609 F: (480) 786-5694 Hours:
Monday: 9AM–3PM Tuesday: 7AM–4:30PM Wednesday: 7AM–4PM Thursday: 7AM–4PM Friday: 7AM–1PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
