Giving the gums the attention they need to avoid disease is the best treatment in our Dayton OH practice
It is easy to draw the conclusion that your teeth and gums are healthy because they look clean. However, it is vitally important to maintain regular dental visits to catch problems that may not be visible when looking in the mirror. Part of the comprehensive care we provide at Alex Bell Dental is to assess gum tissue as well as the teeth carefully. Assessing gums regularly is one of the best ways to avoid the need for advanced gum disease treatment in our dental practice near Dayton, OH.
Gum disease is a tricky condition to catch. Called a silent disease, very few symptoms are obvious. What often happens is that symptoms like bleeding during brushing develop, but are ignored as a sign of overly aggressive brushing. To be clear, the gums should not bleed during brushing, even if you are somewhat overzealous.
The early detection of gum disease, when it is still gingivitis, is incredibly beneficial. At this point, the condition can be reversed. Dr. Cobb and our professional staff have keen eyes for any signs of gum disease, such as reddening of the soft tissues, or pockets around a tooth or teeth. We are careful to provide thorough evaluations and specialized testing of the gums because we understand the significance of this disease. If not treated, gum disease continues to advance, threatening not only the stability of teeth, but overall health as well.
When we catch gum disease early, treatment is simpler. More conservative treatments like scaling and root planing, performed under local anesthetic, is performed to remove plaque, debris, and infection from affected areas. If necessary, medication may also be applied to treat infection.
Gum disease is a condition that, when we understand it, we can better fight its development. We encourage our patients to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home. The purpose of brushing teeth twice a day is not only to remove small particles of food, but also to eliminate harmful bacteria that naturally live on and between teeth. However, brushing alone cannot accomplish the effective elimination of bacteria.
This is why flossing is so vital to sustained oral health. Flossing reaches those areas between the teeth and slightly below the gums, where bacteria hide. Skipping this step significantly raises the risk of gum disease.
We are here to help you enjoy your best, healthiest smile. Contact Alex Bell Dental in Centerville for your appointment with Dr. Cobb.
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