At Maplewood Dental Associates, everyone deserves a beautiful, healthy smile. Our mission is to help that smile last a lifetime. As a leading multi-specialty dentist in the Maplewood and St. Paul, MN, area, we proudly offer a wide range of dental treatments in a friendly and comfortable setting. Along with general and cosmetic services like fillings and teeth cleaning, we also provide essential periodontal treatment for your gums, which support your teeth.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects the gums. Almost anyone who doesn’t practice good daily oral hygiene can develop the first stage, known as gingivitis. This is why brushing and flossing are so important for preventing cavities and tooth decay.
Gingivitis is usually mild, but it can get worse quickly if you ignore it. Advanced periodontal disease can lead to severe issues, including tooth and bone loss.
Periodontal disease often starts mild and can be easy to overlook. For example, bleeding gums might not seem serious at first. However, take it seriously if your gums bleed while brushing or flossing. Many people also miss symptoms early on, especially smokers, because nicotine reduces blood flow to the gums and can hide the signs of gum disease.
Here are some symptoms to watch for:
At Maplewood Dental Associates, we offer several effective treatments for periodontal disease. Your periodontist will work with you to find the best option.
Depending on your situation, we might use local anesthetics or antibiotics to keep you comfortable and kill bacteria. In some severe cases, periodontal surgery may be necessary, and your periodontist will explain your options.
Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth; it can impact your overall health. It can threaten your smile and has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even preterm birth. Scientists are still figuring out why this happens, but two main ideas exist.
One theory suggests that severe gum disease causes inflammation that affects the whole body. Another theory links certain bacteria from gum disease to plaque in the blood vessels of people with heart disease. This connection shows how important it is to prevent or treat gum disease for both teeth and the body.
Luckily, preventing periodontal disease is pretty simple! Follow these tips for excellent oral health:
Brushing and flossing help keep bacteria at bay, while regular check-ups let us clean your teeth thoroughly, catch gum disease early, and check the health of your jawbone with x-rays. Good habits will help you keep your teeth and body healthy forever!
Gum disease is a serious threat to your teeth and gums, but with preventive care and regular check-ups at our Maplewood office, you can keep your smile healthy for life. Call us at (651) 770-3831 if you have questions about preventing gum disease, or request an appointment online to visit us. We’re excited to help you protect your teeth and fight gum disease!
