August 2015 - The Dental Place

August 21, 2015

Many patients ask the dentist about bleeding gums and whether that symptom is cause for concern. The answer, in short, is a resounding yes! Bleeding gums are never normal, and they often indicate a mild form of gum disease known as gingivitis.

Gum disease is a progressive condition, and as it advances, it causes more damage to your gum tissue. In its most severe forms, gum disease can even lead to tooth and bone loss.

Fortunately, the mildest form of gum disease can be readily treated by your dentist with a thorough professional cleaning. If you act early, you can avoid the more invasive treatments that are needed for advanced periodontal disease.

Because gingivitis can be addressed with a professional cleaning rather than some sort of surgical procedure, it’s another good reason to be sure to see your dentist every six months. When you have an exam at such brief intervals, gingivitis has less of a chance to progress into periodontitis, the more severe form of gum disease.

Because gingivitis can be addressed with a professional cleaning rather than some sort of surgical procedure, it’s another good reason to be sure to see your dentist every six months.

The routine preventive cleanings you get at these regular appointments also can help to stop gingivitis in its tracks, as they clear away bacteria that may linger despite your best efforts to keep your mouth as clean as possible.

Other symptoms of gingivitis include red or swollen gums, tenderness in the gums and bad breath. If you notice any of these signs, call our office to schedule an appointment for an exam and treatment.

Keep in mind that preventing gingivitis (or a relapse) also depends on what you do at home. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day will go a long way toward minimizing the oral bacteria that causes gum disease, including gingivitis. If you’re particularly prone to bacteria proliferation, you may want to ask if adding an anti-bacterial mouthwash would be beneficial, too.

Any bleeding in the gums is abnormal and should be evaluated by a knowledgeable professional. If you notice this symptom, contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 and schedule an appointment to be seen in our office as soon as possible.

August 7, 2015

Everyone has bad habits, but if they’re ones that may be affecting the health of your teeth and gums, you should develop a plan to break them ASAP. Talk to our dentists Dr. Robert D. Maxey or Dr. Cecil F. George, Jr. for any advice on ways that you can improve your oral health by getting rid of these bad habits.

Here are a few that are particularly notorious for potential harm to a patient’s oral health. Make it a priority to improve on these if any of them are relevant for you.

Chewing on things – especially hard objects – that aren’t food: Items like ice cubes, pencils and fingernails can be hard on your teeth. If you have a tendency to chew on these things to ease your anxiety, you may have an increased likelihood of damaging your teeth or injuring your gums.
Grinding your teeth: Some patients may not even realize that they’re doing this, but bruxism (grinding of the teeth) can cause the teeth to wear prematurely. If you notice signs of uneven wear and tear on your teeth, talk to your dentist to see if you might be grinding your teeth.
Inadequate home oral care: Are you skipping out on your daily brushing sessions sometimes? Forgoing flossing? If so, the bacteria in your mouth can build-up and accumulate in plaque and tartar. Make sure to brush twice a day and floss daily. Rinsing after meals is also useful to clear away any food remnants that might remain in your mouth.
Postponing routine dental care: If you don’t see your dentist every six months, you may be putting yourself in position for more intensive dental care down the line. Routine appointments with The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX can help to pinpoint concerning symptoms when a condition is in its earliest, most treatable stages, which can mean less of a hassle for you.
Smoking: Smoking is associated with inflammation, and there’s some evidence that smokers may be more likely to develop periodontal disease. Smoking could also result in needing treatment from a cosmetic dentist to restore the look of your teeth.

Giving up as many of these habits as possible will only benefit your oral health. If you need guidance on how to get started or proper techniques for home dental care, contact our team at The Dental Place in Grand Prairie, TX. Call 972-264-5795 today to schedule your visit for any of our dental services in Grand Prairie.