More than 47 percent of adults 30 years and older have it. By age 65, 7 in 10 people have experienced it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“It” is gum disease, and it is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the United States. To put this another way, you need to care for your gums if you want to keep your teeth.
At Edgewood Dental Care, you and your loved ones can count on our team to do our part to help you. Whether you need preventive care, tips on your home hygiene routine, or gum disease treatment, you can find what you need at our office in Edgewood, KY.
Call 859-474-7830 today to plan a visit with our team.

Be in the Know About Your Gum Health

One of the most important things you can do for your oral health is having a good oral care routine. Each day, you should brush your teeth (twice, for two minutes at a time) and floss. You also should visit your family dentist a few times each year for checkups. Professional cleanings can reduce your risk of periodontal infections while giving us the chance to discover problems in the early stages.
You also can help yourself by keeping an eye open for gum disease symptoms:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Bad breath or a lingering bad taste in your mouth
  • Gums that are separating from your teeth
  • Tender gums
  • Pain when chewing
  • Changes in how your teeth fit together
  • Loose teeth

It’s also beneficial to be aware of any risk factors that could leave you more likely to develop gum infections. Poor oral hygiene and tobacco use are potential problems. Having diabetes and taking certain medications can affect your oral health as well. Stress and family history can affect your smile, too. Overall males are more likely to develop gum disease, but females have an increased risk of gum problems when they are experiencing hormone changes (puberty, pregnancy, and menopause).

Taking Action to Protect Your Smile

You want to keep your teeth in your mouth. Even if you have replacement teeth, your gum health is still necessary to keep you from losing them as well.
This is why it is important to treat periodontal infections as soon as possible when and if you do have one. At our practice, you can take advantage of three great solutions.
First, scaling and root planing is a deeper cleaning than what you receive during a routine checkup. Second, you can take advantage of the LANAP treatment. By using a dental laser to remove infected tissue, you can heal faster than you would with traditional gum surgery.
Last but not least, you also may receive antibiotics as a follow-up to your other treatments. This can kill off any remaining harmful bacteria and reduce your risk of reinfection.

Visit Us Soon

No matter what condition your gums are in today, you have a good reason to visit our team. You can get treatment if you need it, or you can prevent problems with routine care. Call 859-474-7830 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at Edgewood Dental Care in Edgewood, KY.