Taking care of your gums is just as important as taking care of your gums. Regularly flossing and brushing your teeth helps keep your teeth and gums clean by removing bacteria, plaque, and debris. However, some patients do not follow a proper oral hygiene which can possibly lead to periodontal disease (gum disease). Dr. Brent L. Blaylock DDS is an experienced restorative and cosmetic dentist in Durham, NC, who is dedicated to treating and diagnosing patients with gum disease. Durham dentist Dr. Blaylock will work with you to determine the best treatment for you.
Prevention
In dentistry, prevention is key. Dr. Blaylock encourages patients to visit his Durham dentist office twice yearly for a comprehensive preventive exam, which includes:
Professional dental cleaning
Dental x-rays
Periodontal screening
Cavities screening
Occlusal analysis to examine the position of the bite
The preventive exam allows Dr. Blaylock to thoroughly exam your mouth, teeth, and gums for any signs of dysfunction. Catching gum disease in its earliest stages (gingivitis) allows Dr. Blaylock to treat it effectively and avoid any complex dental treatment. However, if Dr. Blaylock does find signs of gum disease, we do offer periodontal therapy, which helps restore the health of your gums.
3 Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Knowing the signs of gum disease helps patients take the first steps to treating their gum disease and restoring their oral health. If you begin to experience any of the symptoms below, schedule an appointment with Dr. Blaylock in our Durham dental office.
- Bleeding Gums: Your gums may bleed excessively during brushing or flossing, which can be a sign of gum disease.
- Loose or Shifting Teeth: During gum disease, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets which can loosen the teeth and cause your teeth to shift.
- Receding Gums: Gum disease creates pockets in the gums which cause the gums to recede from the teeth, which may cause teeth to appear longer.