Are you looking for the right orthodontist? At Bluffton Orthodontics, our Dr. Bob Garrison has helped over 10,000 patients for over 30 years put their best smile forward. Our staff makes sure your new smile is comfortable and customized to fit your unique needs. Whether it’s traditional metal braces or clear ceramic braces, we will help you find the perfect solution for giving you that beautiful smile! A healthy smile and good oral health can involve more than orthodontic treatment, which is why we would like to outline gum disease treatment during Gum Disease Awareness Month in Bluffton, South Carolina.
If you have any questions or want to look into our services here at Bluffton Orthodontics during National Gum Disease Awareness month, don’t hesitate to call us! We’d love to hear from you!
Gum Disease Awareness Month
February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month. As your trusted orthodontists in Bluffton, we want to provide you with the answers to some of the most common questions about gum disease so that you can have the best oral health possible. Let’s take a closer look at some of your gum disease questions.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an infection of the gums that can cause tooth decay and eventual tooth loss if it is not treated in time. It occurs when bacteria build up on the teeth and gums, creating plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surface of your teeth and gums, while tartar is a hard plaque buildup that only professional cleaning can remove. Over time, plaque and tartar can lead to inflammation of the gums, which causes them to pull away from the teeth, leading to further deterioration of the teeth and supporting bone structure.
What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
The most common symptoms of gum disease are redness or swelling in the gums accompanied by pain or bleeding when brushing or flossing. Other signs include:
- Receding gums (gums pulling away from teeth).
- Loose teeth.
- Bad breath.
- Changes in how your bite fits together (such as difficulty chewing).
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s vital to make an appointment right away so you can assess your condition and treat any issues as soon as possible.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
The best way to prevent gum disease is through regular dental care such as brushing at least twice per day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled brush; flossing daily; avoiding sugary drinks; eating a healthy diet; avoiding smoking; visiting your dentist twice per year for checkups; and using mouthwash regularly. While other factors, such as genetics or medications, may increase one’s risk for gum disease, taking these preventive measures will go a long way toward keeping your mouth healthy!
Bluffton, South Carolina Gum Treatment
Bluffton Orthodontics is proud to provide a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and state-of-the-art technology, we are also proud to partner with other specialists in the area! So if you want a quick yet reliable way to get that perfect smile of yours back on track – come see us at Bluffton Orthodontics today!
We believe that having access to reliable information about oral health is one of the most important steps you can take toward maintaining good oral hygiene habits throughout life. And we are here to answer all your questions about oral health and your specific treatment options. We can even refer you to a specialist who can treat gum disease.
Contact us today and schedule an appointment! We look forward to helping you start your journey to getting that perfect smile back again!