Gum disease is one of the most common dental conditions in the U.S.A. In fact, it is the number one cause of lost teeth for American adults. About 80% of Americans will have a gum disease infection at some point in their life, which is an enormous number! Gum disease does not follow geographic, socioeconomic, or educational lines. It is based purely on the bacteria in your mouth and how far is is allowed to go into your gums. Don’t join these gum disease statistics. Instead, know the three levels of battle!

1) At-Home Care
Brushing, flossing, and even an antiseptic mouthwash is the first line of battle against gum disease. Following an oral hygiene routine the best way to protect yourself from gum disease, though sometimes it’s just not enough.

2) Fighting Gingivitis with Prophylaxis
The first level of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is a surface infection of the gums, but it can be easily removed with prophylaxis, which is another word for a professional dental cleaning.

3) Fighting Periodontitis
If gingivitis isn’t caught early, the infection can work down below the surface, turning into an infection called periodontitis. This simply means that the bone structure is in harm’s way. Removing periodontitis takes much more complex procedures like scaling and root planing or possibly oral surgery.

Stop gum disease before it has a chance to damage your teeth. Don’t join the statistics of patients who have lost teeth to this easily preventable disease. Contact us today to set up your next prophylaxis and exam. We can’t wait to help you get a happier, healthier smile!