Every February, dentists around the nation spread awareness about the importance of keeping your smile foundation healthy as part of Gum Disease Awareness Month. If you think that your oral health could potentially benefit from a gum disease treatment, call Newingham Dental Center at 248-972-8720 today to book an evaluation.

We offer free second opinions and consultations at our Birmingham, MI dentist office. If you have been told one thing by a dentist and want to have someone else weigh in on the diagnosis, we are here for you. You can also get some information on your current situation without having to financially commit before you even know for sure if there’s a problem or not.

We accept a variety of payment options to make paying for the treatments you need a little less financially stressful. You can even cover the cost of your procedures through CareCredit, a third-party financing option that allows you to make affordable monthly payments over time.

We also offer some flexible hours that many other dentists do not. This way, you can get an appointment taken care of without having to take a personal day or shift your schedule to accommodate one. Our dentist office offers appointments:

  • As early as 7:00 a.m.
  • Until 7:00 p.m. one night per week

See Us For A Gum Disease Treatment To Improve Smile Health

If you didn’t know already, you should be aware that gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is incredibly common. By one study, half of all adults in the USA experience some degree of periodontal disease or another. There are three stages of gum disease:

  • Gingivitis, the earliest stage, which is easily reversed because the parts of your jawbone and gums that hold teeth in place are not yet affected
  • Periodontitis, which is when your jawbone and gums do become irreversibly damaged, but good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups could prevent the issue from worsening
  • Advanced periodontitis, which is when the connective tissue and bone that holds teeth in place becomes destroyed and often leads to tooth loss or the need for tooth extractions

Gum disease is initially caused by bad bacteria that gets in between your gumline and your tooth roots and forms plaque and tartar buildup. Left unchecked, this condition only gets worse and can eventually lead to major dental troubles.
If caught early, gum disease can typically be treated using two special techniques called:

  • Scaling, which is when we scrape away the bad bacteria buildup on your tooth roots
  • Root planing, which uses a special instrument to smooth out the surface of your tooth roots so their surface is less hospitable for the formation of plaque and tartar buildup

You should see a dentist to determine conclusively if you have gum disease and, if so, what the best course of action is. That said, if you are showing some combination of the following symptoms, there’s a good chance that you may be experiencing periodontal disease:

  • Chronic and/or persistent bad breath with no clear cause
  • Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth
  • Teeth that feel loose
  • Red, swollen, and/or tender gums
  • A gumline that has receded, leaving your tooth roots exposed and possibly sensitive
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and foods in certain teeth in your mouth

If you are not already, you should maintain good oral hygiene habits to help keep gum disease away. To maintain your oral health, you should:

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste to thoroughly but gently brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day
  • Floss between all of your chompers at least once daily
  • Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash approved by the American Dental Association
  • Maintain routine dental cleanings and exams every six months

To help you feel more comfortable when you are in our care, we offer various amenities. Here are just some of the options you can take advantage of to help you relax:

  • Free WiFi
  • A separate play area for your children
  • Refreshing beverage options
  • Warm blankets
  • Soft pillows
  • Flat-screen TVs in every care room to entertain and distract you while we perform your periodontal treatment
  • Dental sedation options to help relieve dental anxiety

Get your smile foundation back in tip-top shape with a gum disease treatment from Birmingham Dental Center. Call 248-972-8720 or fill out our simple online form to book or ask us questions.