Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that affects your overall health and wellness. Fortunately, it is preventable.
Your dentist in Fredericksburg, VA, emphasizes prevention to help prevent conditions like tooth decay, infections, and gum disease.
Continue reading to learn more about what gum disease is, how you can prevent it, and how it is treated.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a progressive condition and means infection in the structures that support your teeth. In the initial stage, called gingivitis, your dentist can reverse the issue. However, advanced gum disease is merely treatable, but treatment is essential to lower your risks for significant complications.
Gum disease has been linked to the following conditions:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart and lung issues
- Tooth loss
- Pregnancy complications
- Specific cancers
Gum disease symptoms may include bleeding gums, gum pocketing, loose teeth, and bad breath. However, these symptoms may be subtle, which is why regular checkups with your Fredericksburg dentist are so important.
Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment
To lower your gum disease risks, be sure to visit your dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings. Brush and floss your teeth after meals or at least twice daily.
If you smoke, we encourage you to consider quitting. Other risk factors include hormonal changes, as seen in pregnancy and menopause. However, by keeping appointments with your dentist, we can detect gum recession and other oral changes before they put you at risk.
Gum disease treatment may include deep cleanings in our dental office, a prescribed oral maintenance plan for home, oral antibiotics, or any combination of treatments designed to restore better gum health.
Your dentist will discuss treatment plans with you and which options will best meet your needs.
Gum Disease Treatment in Fredericksburg, VA
To schedule a consultation with the dentist or your next checkup and teeth cleaning, contact a friendly dental team member today.