Periodontal Disease Spokane - Know your options when you have gum disease

Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. The course of this disease, however, is fully dependent on the actions you take to prevent and treat it. By taking the appropriate measures, you can ensure the health of your teeth over a long term basis.

The early signs of periodontal disease are sore and inflamed gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. This is the ideal time to make an appointment with your Spokane dentist. This dental professional can advise you on the severity of your gum disease as well as professionally clean your teeth. Having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis by your dentist can help prevent, or even reverse, the gingivitis which can lead to gum disease.

Because the symptoms of gum disease are subtle and can be hard to detect, it is important to visit your dentist on a regular basis. You could have gum disease along your molars, for example, which could go unnoticed due to their location. Your dentist will check for any symptoms of periodontal disease in Spokane when you visit.

A typical dental visit includes a thorough check of your mouth. Your dentist will look for any bleeding, firmness, pockets or swelling along your gum line. Teeth sensitivity, alignment, and movement are also checked during a visit to the dentist. Your jawbone might also be checked to determine the extent of bone loss around your teeth.

If your gum disease is mild, your dentist may advise you to brush and floss more frequently. A special toothpaste might be recommended as well. You might need to visit your dentist more often so that excess plaque and bacteria can be removed. Other options that might be available to you depending on the severity of your gum disease include more extensive nonsurgical treatments to reduce the growth of bacteria and surgical treatments designed to restore lost tissues.

It is a well known and documented fact that periodontitis ( gum disease ) is linked to heart disease and your hygienist and dentist should be able to help you assess your risk factors and prevent the adverse affects on your heart from this condition.

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