Prevent Gum Disease
Contact Us to schedule your Complete Dental Examination which includes
a thorough Periodontal Health Assessment.

Prevention & Home Care
Proper brushing and flossing is the best defense against gum disease and dental decay. We recommend that patients brush and floss two to three times per day. For children too young to brush, parents should brush their teeth for them using a small soft bristle toothbrush. We may also recommend fluoride supplements to help both children and adults prevent cavities.

To be effective, a good home care routine must be supported by regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups. Our Dental Hygienists will remove plaque deposits and stubborn stains from your teeth so that they are easier for you to keep clean. We will take digital xrays to see areas not visible to the naked eye, and measure your gums carefully to look for any signs of gum disease or dental decay. We recommend that you have your teeth cleaned two to four times per year, based on the condition of your teeth and surrounding bone and gum tissue.

Dental Sealants
We may recommend sealants to prevent cavities in your child's teeth. A dental sealant is a plastic coating that is painted on the chewing surface of the tooth to seal tiny grooves and help prevent decay-causing bacteria from penetrating the enamel. The plastic sealant material is hardened using a special light, and requires no drilling or anesthetic.

Sealants can last for many years if properly cared for. Sticky and very hard foods can damage sealants and should be avoided. We will check your child's sealants at their regular checkup appointment, and can re-apply the sealant material if necessary.

Periodontal Disease
Your gums perform an important function in your body. They protect and provide support for the teeth, as well as provide blood flow to the jaw bone and tooth structures.

Periodontal disease is a progressive disease that begins when bacteria penetrate and grow beneath the gums. As the disease spreads, gum tissue and eventually bone become infected and are destroyed. If left untreated, periodontal disease (formally known as Pyorrhea) will break down enough bone and gum tissue to cause the teeth in the affected area to become loose and eventually fall out.

Stress, smoking and poor nutrition can be contributing factors to gum disease. Recent studies also indicate that there is a link between the bacteria that cause periodontal disease and increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and preterm low birth weight.

Common signs of Periodontal Disease are bleeding and swollen gums,
persistent bad breath, and receding gums.

If detected early through regular dental checkups, periodontal disease can often be treated with nonsurgical gum treatments supported by effective home care and medicated mouth rinses. In some cases , surgical procedures can be used to treat bone loss or advanced penetration of the infection. We may refer you to a gum specialist, or Periodontist, if you have advanced periodontal disease.