Healthy gums support healthy teeth!
While most patients think only of their teeth and how best to care for them when it comes to oral hygiene, maintaining gum health is just as important! If the gums are affected by gum disease, the teeth will be affected too: gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
Signs of advanced gum disease include bleeding gums, receding gums and shifting or loose teeth. Unfortunately, many patients do not realize they have gum disease until it has become advanced and begun to cause damage to teeth, gums or both.
Dr. Blaylock performs a periodontal screening as part of a routine dental exam when patients visit his Durham family dentist office twice a year. This enables him to spot the early signs of gum disease and recommend conservative, preventive measures to restore good oral health. Routine dental exams play a very important role in this way- preventing the development of gum disease can not only benefit tooth health, but overall health as well!
It has been proven that there is a connection between gum health and a growing list of health concerns. Scientists know that poor oral health can exacerbate conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, but there are many other physical health issues that may be affected by gum disease and dental problems. The presence of gum disease means that invasive bacteria are able to enter a patient’s bloodstream during tooth brushing or any other activity that causes the gums to bleed or be irritated: this allows bacteria to become dislodged from tooth or gum surfaces and move throughout the body.
Brush and floss daily and visit Dr. Blaylock twice a year: Dr. Blaylock and his staff can address any concerns you have about gum health and offers periodontal therapy options to restore your gums to optimal health for a better quality of life in the long run!