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FLOSS TO FIGHT AGAINST GUM DISEASE

Portrait of a beautiful young woman flossing her teeth in the bathroom at home

FLOSS TO FIGHT AGAINST GUM DISEASE

September 8, 2020

You didn’t want to believe it at first, but it happened again. Your gums started bleeding while you were brushing your teeth.

That’s not what you were expecting, but the evidence is obvious when you look in the mirror or the sink. That bleeding is a sign that you have developed gum disease. It’s usually a clue that you haven’t been flossing as much as you should, too.

Periodontal problems are much more common than most people realize and more common than they need to be. Since National Flossing Day is the day after Thanksgiving, we thought this would be a good time to remind you of the benefits of a good oral health routine, including regular visits to River Oaks Dental in Jacksonville, FL. If you haven’t scheduled your next dental checkup already, call 904-348-0416 today to make your appointment with us.

PREVENTING PROBLEMS IS THE BEST APPROACH

Preventive dentistry is the foundation of our practice. While we have the training and the experience to help you repair and replace teeth, we would much rather help you keep your smile complete for as long as possible.

That’s why preventing gum disease is a great idea. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. According to the most conservative estimates, 7 in 10 people will develop gum disease during their lives. The Centers for Disease Control recently reported that nearly half of Americans 30 years and older have some form of advanced gum disease.

On top of this, your odds of developing infected gums only increase as you get older.

Following the American Dental Association’s recommendation for oral care can go a long way toward helping you avoid the consequences of periodontal disease. Brushing twice per day and flossing every day play a vital role in removing harmful bacteria, plaque, and food particles from your mouth.

The ADA also recommends regular professional cleanings and exams. When you visit us in Jacksonville, a member of our team will remove plaque and tartar buildup. Plus, we will take a close look at your mouth for signs of gum infections. If we find anything, we can advise you on the best way to treat your infection before it leads to bigger problems.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP

Ideally, your gums will look pink and feel firm. In the early stages of gum disease (called gingivitis), your gum tissue may look red or swollen. This also is when bleeding is common when you brush or floss your teeth. Again, this may be a clue that you should be flossing more frequently.

In the advanced stage of gum disease (known as periodontitis), your symptoms will be more apparent. Your gums may bleed easily. You could have a pimple-like bump on your gums, and your gums might be receding or separating from your teeth. Constant bad breath is another clue that something is wrong, and if your teeth begin to feel loose, that is a sign of serious trouble.

It’s also possible that your gums will feel tender or sore, but it’s worth pointing out that many people never feel pain as a result of infected gums.  Gums affected by periodontal disease can be treated at River Oaks Dental non-surgically with Periodontal Therapy, including SRP (scaling and root planing, or a deep cleaning) and antibiotic therapy.

If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment at River Oaks Dental as soon as you are able. Don’t wait. Call 904-348-0416 today!

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