The hectic pace of today’s adult lifestyle often leaves little time for the daily oral health care routine needed to prevent cavities & periodontal (gum) disease. This is unfortunate since periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. An estimated 75% of Americans have some form of periodontal disease and don’t know it.

Regular visits to your dentist and his hygienist are important in the early detection of periodontal disease and reducing the risk of permanent damage to teeth and gums. Gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease is usually painless and often noticeable as red or swollen gums.

There is now evidence of the relationship between oral bacteria of periodontal disease and life threatening diseases such as oral cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments and premature low birth weight of babies.

Some signs and symptoms of periodontal disease may include:

• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
• Loose or separating teeth
• Tooth loss
• Pus around the teeth and gums

Fluoride Treatments can be given to children ages 5-16 or even adults with serious decay problems. A gel, foam or varnish material is applied to the teeth by the hygienist to strengthen the teeth against cavities.

Sealants are a tooth colored material that is placed on the permanent back molar teeth in children ages 6-12. There are grooves and pits in the molars that make them prone to decay. Sealants smooth and protect the tooth’s surface.

Things you can do to help maintain your dental health include:

• Bush at least twice a day
• Apply enough toothpaste to cover the bristles of the toothbrush
• Brush for at least 2 minutes using a 45 degree angle with your toothbrush

 

• Floss at least once a day between all teeth
• Wind the floss around your middle fingers then pull tight and guide the floss with your index fingers
• Gently move the floss toward the gums and into the space between the tooth and gum