What Can I Do at Home to Prevent Gum Disease?

Family Dentistry

Preventing inflammation around your gums starts with your at home oral hygiene routine. Gum disease or periodontitis is a gum infection that damages the soft tissue, and can destroy the bone if not treated promptly. Gum disease is a slow process and can advance in same cases before you notice there is an issue. The advancement process is typically painless, and attending your regular exams in our office is key to making sure your gums and teeth are healthy.

Daily oral hygiene at home helps to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and can prevent gum disease from developing. Brushing and flossing daily are ways to keep your mouth looking and feeling great, and also minimizes your risk for developing gum disease.

When patients visit our office we discuss your oral health, and recommend changes to your oral care routine at home if we see a need for improvement. Our highly trained staff can develop a personalized care program for you to follow at home.

At Home Oral Hygiene Recommendations To Prevent Gum Disease

  • Attend regular dental exams to remove plaque buildup and tartar, as well as to detect any signs of gum disease early.
  • Brush for two to three minutes at least twice a day, and make sure to brush along the gum line.
  • Use a toothpaste with fluoride to help prevent cavities.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque from in-between your teeth and places where your toothbrush can not reach.
  • Use a mouth rinse that can help to rinse away and reduce plaque buildup.
  • Avoid any tobacco products which can cause gum disease.
  • Follow a healthy diet and avoid foods and drinks with high levels of sugar.
  • Exercise regularly
  • Make sure to have cavities and any other issues fixed as soon as possible.

Part of our cleaning and exam process is to perform a detailed evaluation of the gums. We will discuss both the health of your teeth and gums, and recommend treatment if necessary. Your oral health is our priority, and our staff is here to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Looking To Make an Appointment?

If you are interested in making an appointment, or notice an issue with the health of your gums such as bleeding or irritation we encourage you to visit our office. Prevention is important, and treating symptoms early can help avoid more serious issues in the future.

To schedule your appointment please contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

How Painful is the Dental Implant Process?

Emergency Dentist

Patients that choose to move forward with the dental implant process wonder how painful the procedure will be. Dental implants look and feel natural in the mouth, and are a great restorative solution for those that have missing, cracked, or broken teeth. Our customized treatment plans work for each patient’s needs, and we work closely with our patients every step of the way.

Overall, the implant process is not painful. Many patients say that the dental implant process is less painful than having a tooth pulled. To keep patients comfortable we use local anesthesia and numb the gums around the implant area. Our team also checks to make sure each patient has enough bone present in their jaw to support their new implants. If necessary, bone grafting can be done to give patients the bone required in their jaw. This is an extra step in the process and does require additional healing.

How Is the Implant Healing Process?

The healing process for dental implants takes between 4-6 months. Antibiotics may be recommended to patients, as well as pain relievers to help with the healing process.

After Your Implant Procedure You May Have the Following

  • Minor bleeding that should subside after a day or two.
  • Minor swelling or bruising around the face and implant area.
  • Some pain or sensitivity around the implant area.

If patients notice any pain, swelling, or bleeding that does not subside, or gets progressively worse we encourage you to contact our office immediately. You will need to be seen in our office as soon as possible. During the healing process soft foods are recommended, and patients should stay away from foods or drinks that may stain your teeth.

Dental implants can last up to 25 years or a lifetime if they are cared for properly. The pain associated with the dental implant process can be kept at a minimum by following the at home care instructions. Implants are a great choice for patients seeking a beautiful smile that is permanent and will last for years.

Interested in Finding Out More?

To find out more, scheduling your implant consultation is the first step towards a beautiful smile. Our team is available to answer any questions, and our detailed consultation process allows our team to take a close look at your mouth and teeth. We will build a customized treatment plan and get you on the road to a beautiful smile.

To schedule your implant consultation contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!