How often do you floss?
If you are like a majority of people, you don’t floss as often as you should. According to a recent survey, only 40 percent of the respondents said they floss every day, which is what the American Dental Association recommends.
That means 6 out of every 10 people do not floss as often as they should. More concerning to us is that 2 of those 6 people said they never floss.
These results aren’t really surprising to dental professionals, but it could help explain another finding by the Centers for Disease Control. Nearly half of all Americans 30 years or older have some form of gum disease (also known as periodontal disease).
This is a far more common issue than most people realize, but it is one that can be treated by our team in Birmingham, MI. It’s something we check for every time you visit us for a dental cleaning and exam at Newingham Dental Center.
If you haven’t scheduled your next dental appointment yet, then we encourage you to call us today at 248-972-8720.
In the meantime, take a few moments to refresh your memory about the signs of gum disease.
Recognizing the Problem
To have a healthy smile, you need to have healthy gums. Many people find it hard to believe, but gum disease is actually to top cause of tooth loss in the U.S.
Part of the reason is that gum infections are often painless until the more advanced stages, and even then, some people never report feeling any pain. Nevertheless, you can learn other signs and symptoms so you will know when to seek help.
In the early stages, your gums may appear red or swollen. Healthy gums appear pink and feel firm to the touch. When infected, your gums also bleed while you brush or floss.
If you notice these symptoms, one of the best things you can do is to be more deliberate about brushing twice a day for two minutes and about flossing every day. It is possible to reverse your gum infection in some cases.
As your gum disease becomes more advanced, the redness, swelling, and bleeding are likely to persist. You also may notice that you have lingering bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t seem to go away. Some people’s gums might feel sore or tender at this stage as well.
As the condition gets worse, you may notice your gums are receding or pulling away from your teeth. This exposes more of the root, which can allow plaque and tartar to form there. In time, your teeth can begin to feel loose or fall out.
Take Action
If you notice any of these symptoms, the best thing you can do is seek help as soon as you are able. The longer you allow gum disease to persist, the harder it becomes to treat.
By coming to Newingham Dental Center, you can receive some of the most advanced periodontal care available. In addition to basic services such as scaling and root planing, we diagnose the DNA of the bacteria in your saliva. This helps us target the bacteria that are causing your infection.
The best approach, however, is always preventive care, which is why we hope you will schedule routine dental checkups. To make your next appointment with us, start by filling out our online form or by calling 248-972-8720.
