Category: Gum Disease

Taking care of your teeth and gums is very important for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest family members. Good dental habits prevent many issues, leading to a healthier, happier life. Each age group has unique needs, which can help you provide the best care. This guide offers tailored dental care tips for children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. We aim to ensure every family member enjoys a bright and healthy smile.

Dental Care Tips for Children

The basis for a lifetime of healthy teeth is laid early by teaching children good dental habits. Educate them first about proper brushing and flossing techniques. Employ a pea-sized quantity of fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. Teach them to brush for two minutes twice a day. Flossing should begin as soon as they have two teeth that touch.

• Healthy Diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Encourage fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, which are good for teeth.
• Fun Visits: Make dental visits enjoyable. Choose a family dentist in Livermore who is great with kids. This can make all the difference in their attitude towards dental care.

Regular dental check-ups are essential. A dentist can spot problems early and provide treatments to keep teeth healthy. Reinforcing these habits at home and ensuring regular dental visits will help children develop a positive view of dental care.

Dental Care Tips for Teenagers

Teenagers face particular challenges when it comes to dental care. Maintaining oral hygiene can be tough with braces, wisdom teeth, and busy schedules. Here are some tips to help them keep their teeth in top shape.

• Braces: If your teen has braces, remind them to clean around the brackets and wires. Special tools, like orthodontic brushes and floss threaders, can help.
• Wisdom Teeth: Regular check-ups are crucial as wisdom teeth begin to emerge. Your dentist in Livermore, CA, can monitor their growth and decide if removal is necessary.
• Diet and Lifestyle: Stress the importance of a healthy diet and avoiding snacks and drinks with high sugar content. These can cause cavities and other issues.
• Busy Schedules: Encourage good hygiene even with a packed schedule. Carrying a travel-sized toothbrush can make it easier to brush after meals.

Teenagers often need a little extra encouragement to maintain good dental health. Regular dental visits can help monitor their progress and address any issues.

Dental Care Tips for Adults

Adults must balance many responsibilities; sometimes, dental care can slip through the cracks. However, maintaining oral health is essential for overall well-being. Here’s how to keep your smile healthy.

• Stress Management: Stress can result in teeth grinding and other issues. Finding ways to handle stress can help protect your teeth.
• Regular Check-Ups: Don’t skip dental visits. Regular cleanings and check-ups are essential to catch problems early.
• Common Issues: Be aware of common problems like gum disease and cavities. If you notice bleeding gums or tooth pain, see your dentist immediately.
• Diet and Lifestyle: Make healthy choices. Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol, both of which can harm your teeth.

Adults should stay vigilant about their dental care. Regular visits to the dentist help catch issues early and upkeep your teeth and gums healthy.

Dental Care Tips for Seniors

As we age, dental needs change. Seniors face unique challenges, from dry mouth to tooth loss. Here are some tips to help seniors maintain good oral health.

• Age-Related Issues: Conditions like dry mouth and tooth loss are common. Going for routine dental visits can help manage these issues.
• Dental Visits: Regular cleanings and check-ups are even more important as you age. Your dentist can provide treatments to address specific problems.
• Dentures and Implants: If you sport dentures or implants, follow your dentist’s advice for care. Proper cleaning and regular check-ups are vital.
• Dietary Advice: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. This supports overall health, including your teeth and gums.

Proper care can aid seniors in also making their overall lives better. Regular dental visits and proper care are key.

Family Dental Care Tips

A family approach to dental care can make the process easier and more effective. Here’s how to create a routine that works for everyone.

• Routine: Establish a family dental care routine. Brush (2 times) and floss (1 time) together every day to make it a habit.
• Support: Encourage each other. Remind family members to brush and floss and celebrate good habits.
• Products: Choose the right dental products for your family. Consider toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss that meet everyone’s needs.
• Check-Ups: Schedule regular family check-ups. This ensures everyone stays on track with their dental care.

Creating a supportive environment can make dental care a natural part of your family’s daily routine.

Conclusion

Taking care of your teeth is important at every stage of life. By understanding and handling the unique needs of each age group, you can help your family maintain healthy smiles. From establishing good habits in children to managing age-related issues in seniors, a proactive approach to dental care benefits everyone. A family dentist can support and care for your whole family.

Ready to take the next step in your family’s dental care journey?

Book an appointment with Innovo Dental and Implant Studio Livermore today. Our team is here to provide expert care for every family member. Contact us now to book your visit and keep your smiles healthy and bright.

Gum, or periodontal disease, is a common or prevalent oral health issue that can be the cause of severe problems if not treated promptly. It starts with mild inflammation and can progress to severe infections affecting the gums and bones supporting the teeth. Addressing advanced gum disease is crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing complications like tooth loss. This blog explores the differences between surgical vs non-surgical periodontal therapy, helping you understand the options and make decisions accordingly for your dental health.

Understanding Advanced Gum Disease

Gum disease begins with gingivitis, characterized by red and swollen gums that bleed easily. If not treated, it can take the form of periodontitis, where the gums pull away or recede from the teeth, forming infected pockets. In its advanced stage, periodontitis can destroy or ruin the bone that supports the teeth, leading to tooth loss.

Symptoms and Complications of Advanced Gum Disease

Symptoms of advanced gum disease include persistent bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, painful chewing, loose teeth, and receding gums. Complications can extend beyond oral health, potentially raising the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other systemic conditions.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to build up, leading to gum infection.
• Smoking: Tobacco use poses a major risk factor, impairing gum health and immune response.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar can raise the risk of infections, including gum disease.
• Genetics: Family history can make some people more susceptible.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal shifts can affect gum health.
• Medications: Certain drugs can reduce saliva flow, affecting gum health.
• Chronic Stress: Stress can impair immune function, making it harder to fight infections.

Non-Surgical Approaches to Treating Advanced Gum Disease

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure that eliminates plaque and tartar formed below the gumline and smooths out the tooth roots. This helps gums reattach or reconnect to the teeth and minimizes the size of the pockets.

Antibiotic Treatments

Antibiotic treatments, such as topical gels or oral medications, can help control bacterial infection in the gums. They are often utilized in conjunction with scaling and root planing to improve treatment outcomes.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy uses targeted light energy to remove infected gum tissue and kill bacteria. This minimally invasive option promotes faster healing and reduces discomfort compared to traditional methods.

Benefits and Limitations of Non-Surgical Treatments

Benefits

• Flexibility in Treatment: Non-surgical approaches can often be adjusted or combined based on patient response, allowing for personalized care.
• Preservation of Anatomy: These treatments can help maintain the body’s natural structure, avoiding the need for extensive repairs or replacements that surgeries may require.

Limitations

• Lack of Permanent Solutions: In cases where structural issues exist, non-surgical methods may not address the underlying problem, potentially leading to future complications.
• Need for Lifestyle Changes: Some non-surgical treatments require significant lifestyle adjustments or adherence to a specific regimen, which can be challenging for some patients.

Surgical Treatment Options for Advanced Gum Disease

Flap Surgery

Flap surgery involves lifting the gums to remove tartar deposits from deep pockets and then suturing the gums back in place. This reduces pocket depth and makes it easier to clean the teeth and gums.

Bone Grafts and Tissue Grafts

Bone grafts use natural or synthetic bone to replace bone destroyed by gum disease, while tissue grafts replace damaged gum tissue. These procedures help restore the support structures around the teeth.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

Guided tissue regeneration encompasses placing a small piece of mesh-like material in the space between the bone and gum tissue. This encourages bone and gum tissue to regrow and better support the teeth.

Benefits and Limitations of Surgical Treatments

Benefits

• Pain Relief: By eliminating infection and inflammation, surgical gum disease treatments in Tracy, CA, can alleviate chronic pain and discomfort associated with advanced gum disease.
• Long-Term Stability: Surgical interventions can provide long-lasting results, reducing the risk of future disease progression when combined with proper post-operative care.

Limitations

• Potential for Scarring: Some surgical procedures can result in scarring or changes in gum appearance, which may concern some patients.
• Possible Need for Multiple Procedures: Some patients may require several surgeries over time to achieve optimal results, leading to prolonged treatment timelines.

Comparative Analysis: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Approaches

Effectiveness in Treating Advanced Gum Disease

Both approaches can be effective, but surgical options might be necessary for more severe cases. Non-surgical treatments are often sufficient for milder cases or as a first step in treatment.

Risks and Potential Complications

Non-surgical treatments have fewer risks and complications than surgical procedures. While more invasive, surgical treatments can address issues that non-surgical methods cannot.

Recovery Times and Patient Comfort

Non-surgical treatments typically involve shorter recovery times and less discomfort. Surgical treatments may require longer recovery periods and involve more post-treatment care.

Costs and Accessibility

Non-surgical treatments are generally more cost-effective and accessible. Surgical treatments, while potentially more costly, may provide a more permanent solution for severe gum disease.

Considerations for Treatment Decision-Making

Severity of the Gum Disease

The choice between surgical vs non-surgical periodontal therapy relies largely on the severity of the gum disease. Mild to moderate cases can often be handled with non-surgical methods, while advanced cases may require surgery.

Patient Health and Medical History

Patients with specific health conditions or medical histories may be better suited for one type of treatment over another. It’s important to consider these factors when deciding on a treatment plan.

Preferences and Lifestyle Factors

Patient preferences and lifestyle factors, such as tolerance for surgical procedures and ability to follow post-treatment care, play a significant role in treatment decisions.

Dentist Recommendations

The best course of action should be determined in consultation with a qualified dentist, who can offer personalized recommendations based on the particular condition and needs of the patient.

Recovery and Aftercare: Post-Treatment Expectations

Post-Treatment Care Instructions for Non-Surgical Treatments

After non-surgical treatments, patients should maintain good oral hygiene, avoid smoking, and follow their dentist’s instructions for at-home care to ensure effective healing.

Post-Treatment Care Instructions for Surgical Treatments

Post-surgical care involves following the dentist’s instructions, taking prescribed medications, avoiding certain foods, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and prevent complications.

Managing Pain and Discomfort

Pain and discomfort can be handled with over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and by following post-treatment care guidelines provided by the dentist.

Signs of Difficulties and When to Seek Help?

Patients should be aware of indications of complications, such as excessive bleeding, swelling, or persistent pain, and seek immediate dental care if these occur.

Long-Term Management of Gum Disease: Preventative Strategies

Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups are pivotal for monitoring gum health and catching any signs of gum disease early, ensuring timely intervention and prevention of advanced disease.

Daily Oral Hygiene Practices

Upkeeping daily oral hygiene practices, such as brushing (2 times) and flossing (1 time) every day, is essential for averting the recurrence of gum disease and keeping the gums healthy.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Gum Health

Lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, eating a wholesome diet, and managing stress, can significantly impact gum health and help prevent gum disease.

Monitoring and Maintenance Strategies

Ongoing monitoring and maintenance strategies, including professional cleanings and at-home care, are vital for managing gum disease and preventing its progression.

Conclusion

Addressing advanced gum disease effectively involves understanding both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Each approach has its benefits and limitations, and the best choice depends on individual circumstances. Working closely with the best dentist in Tracy, CA, ensures personalized care and optimal outcomes. Early intervention and consistent oral hygiene are essential for preventing complications. Schedule your consultation at Innovo Dental and Implant Studio in Tracy, CA, today. Get expert advice on the best treatment for your advanced gum disease. Your oral health matters!

Understanding the Significance of Healthy Gums for Excellent Oral Health

Healthy gums help maintain excellent oral health. They provide a foundation for strong teeth and contribute to overall oral hygiene. Here are some key reasons why healthy gums are significant for maintaining oral health:

• Healthy gums act as a barrier and protect the underlying structures of the teeth, including the roots and supporting bone.
• When healthy gums fit snugly around the teeth, forming a tight seal that prevents bacteria from entering and causing gum disease.
• Healthy gums help anchor teeth in place by supporting the underlying bone.
• When gums are healthy, they provide a smooth surface for the toothbrush bristles to clean the teeth properly.
• Unhealthy gums contribute to persistent bad breath or halitosis.

​How and Why Do Foods Get Stuck in Your Gums?

Foods can get stuck in your gums due to various reasons, including the following:

• Fibrous or stringy foods like meat, popcorn hulls, seeds, or tough vegetables, quickly become lodged in the spaces between teeth or get stuck in the gum pockets.
• Irregular tooth alignment or crowded teeth create tight spaces and gaps where food particles can easily get wedged in the gums.
• Gum recession – when gums pull back from teeth, exposing the roots and creating gaps known as gum pockets. These pockets can trap food particles and make it easier for them to get stuck.
• Dental restorations like tooth crowns, bridges, or implants have contours or margins along the gum line that can trap food debris if not properly cleaned.
• Inadequate oral hygiene habits lead to plaque and food debris buildup between teeth and along the gum line.

How To Remove Food Stuck In Gums When Floss Don’t Work

Usually, when you have something wedged in your gums, dentists near you will recommend using dental floss to dislodge it. However, sometimes you have something stuck in your gums, and the floss is not working. For such moments, you have to consider alternative solutions.

​Alternative Methods to Safely Remove Objects from Your Gums

Some of the alternative methods for safely removing objects from your gums we recommend at Innovo Dental and Implant Studio are:

• Rinse with warm saltwater – dissolve salt in warm water, gargle it in your mouth, and spit it out after about 30 seconds. The warm saltwater can dislodge food particles and reduce inflammation.
• Use an oral irrigator, also known as a water flosser – fill the reservoir of the irrigator with lukewarm water and direct the jet of water toward the area where the food is lodged. Move the water stream along the gum line and between teeth to flush out the food particles.
• Dental picks or interdental brushes with small, narrow tips – can reach and gently dislodge food stuck in the gums. Be cautious not to be too forceful or aggressive with dental picks and interdental brushes, as they can harm the gums.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush along the gum line and the affected area gently. Avoid applying excessive pressure to prevent causing any irritation or damage to the gums.
• Use dental floss with a loop – tie a piece of floss into a loop. Insert the loop between your teeth and around the gum area where the food is stuck. Move the loop gently up and down, side to side, and back and forth to dislodge the food particle.

​When To Visit A Dentist

Ideally, you should contact your dentist in Tracy, CA, immediately after you realize you cannot dislodge the debris from your gums with dental floss. Instead of worsening the issues and needing urgent care, it is safer to call a dentist. However, consider the following signs as reasons to visit a dentist for debris removal in your gums:

• Persistent discomfort, pain, or irritation in the gum area despite your efforts to remove the debris
• Signs of infection, including swelling, redness, pus, or a foul odor coming from the gum area
• Debris trapped around partially erupted or impacted wisdom teeth
• If you accidentally injure your gums while trying to remove debris
• If you frequently experience debris getting stuck in your gums

Gum disease is a significant cause of tooth loss in American adults, according to the American Dental Association. You may not know you have gum disease festering in your mouth because you regularly avoid dental visits for exams and cleanings. You think brushing and flossing your teeth are adequate to keep all infections away from your mouth.

Perhaps you don’t realize the food you have and plaque developing continuously in your mouth and hardening to tartar cause gum disease. Food and plaque get trapped in the sulcus, the tiny space of your teeth at a low point than the edges of the gum visible to us. The trapped food and plaque, which hardens into tartar within 48 hours, cause infections when the plaque extends below the gum line.

Left untreated gum disease in its mildest form causes your gums to separate from your teeth. The separation causes damages to the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Your teeth become loose and unstable. If you let the infection progress further, you lose your tooth or need dental extractions.

How to Become Aware You Have Gum Disease?

Detecting gum disease by yourself is challenging and needs an examination from 95376 dentists every six months. Brushing and flossing your teeth enable you to remove plaque buildup on your teeth. However, you may not achieve 100 percent success with removing plaque because your toothbrush cannot reach between your teeth where plaque residues remain trapped. It is why dental visits for cleanings are essential.

When you allow plaque residue to harden to tartar, removing it by yourself is impossible. At this stage, you may already have developed gum disease and need professional help from the dentist in Tracy, CA, who can give you a deep cleaning to remove both plaque and tartar. Avoid the visit to the Tracy dentist, and you give an impression that you don’t care about your dental health and are willing to let the condition worsen.

Symptoms You May Experience When You Have Gum Disease

You may not be aware you have gum disease because the condition may not display any symptoms. However, you will undoubtedly see subtle warning signs that things are not right in your mouth. The warning signs show indications like:

• Bleeding gums when brushing and flossing.
• Tender, red, and swollen gums.
• Your gums are pulling away from your teeth.
• Variations in how your teeth meet together when biting.
• Halitosis that doesn’t go away even after brushing.
• Pus within your teeth and gums and loosened teeth.

If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, it is time for you to seek gum disease treatment near you. At this point, it doesn’t help for you to remain ashamed because you didn’t care well for your dental health. The more you delay gum disease treatment, the harsher the conditions will be for you. Therefore head to the dentist right away, accepting your mistake, and seek the treatment you need.

Diagnosing Gum Disease

Dentists have tiny rulers they use to probe your gums during dental exams. The probing enables dentists to check for inflammation while also measuring the pockets, if any, around the teeth. Dentists may order x-rays to verify whether a bone loss has occurred.

Give your dentist information about your risk factors for gum disease besides your symptoms. It helps the dentist diagnose your gingivitis. You may receive a referral to a periodontist, a specialist treating gum diseases if gingivitis is present in your mouth.

Treatment for Gum Disease

Practicing proper oral hygiene is the optimal way to treat gingivitis. Cutting back on smoking if you do and managing your diabetes are also essential. Other treatments include deep cleaning your teeth, antibiotics, and surgery.

Non-surgical treatments are initially attempted to clean your teeth, performing scaling and root planing. Scaling helps eliminate tartar from over and under the gum line. Rough spots on the tooth surface are smoothened by root planing, removing plaque and tartar even from the root surfaces.

If the above non-surgical treatments are not effective may require surgical intervention for removal of plaque and tartar and control the progress of gum disease. Surgical techniques combine flap surgery and bone & tissue grafts. If your gum disease progresses to advanced periodontitis, you must maintain the condition throughout your life because no treatment is available to cure it.

Preventing Gum Disease Is Not a Challenge

Preventing gum disease is easier than you think because it requires consistent oral hygiene practices to prevent the infection. It would be best if you cleaned your teeth twice daily utilizing fluoride toothpaste. Flossing your teeth every day to remove plaque is also necessary. If you wish to achieve good dental health having a balanced diet is also a requirement. Most importantly, visiting your dentist for six-monthly dental exams and cleanings help prevent gum disease. Allow gum disease to fester in your mouth, and you may have to visit your dentist more frequently for intensive treatments.

Sometimes when brushing, you could notice slight bleeding, which could indicate you have used too much force or hard-bristled toothbrush. However, at times bleeding gums could be a symptom of gum infection.

Gum disease affects a majority of people, and since the infection is benign in the early stages, it could go unnoticed. That is why it is essential to visit the dentist regularly for assessment.

Periodontal disease is gradual and occurs in stages. Gum inflammation and irritation are the primary symptoms of gingivitis. Gingivitis treatments involve proper hygiene and antibiotics to keep the infection at bay. If untreated, the gum infection could advance to periodontitis, which causes the gums to detach from the teeth.

Gum disease may sound scary, but it’s not as we have several treatment options that can work to reverse the effects of the infection. Some of the treatment options available include:

1. Deep Dental Cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning is done on your bi-annual dental appointment. The dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your gum line.

Although professional cleaning is not a treatment for active gum infection, it is a preventive measure that can keep the bacteria away. Deep teeth cleaning is done twice a year, but the dentist can recommend frequent cleanings if you are at risk of gum disease.

2. Root Scaling and Planing

Though similar to professional cleaning, scaling is a treatment and not a routine procedure. Root scaling is a non-surgical procedure that involves removing tartar and cleaning the gum pockets. After scaling, the dentist will proceed to do root planning, which involves reducing the gum pockets and reattaching them back to the teeth.

You may have tooth sensitivity for a few days following the scaling and root planing.

3. Gum Graft

Periodontitis can cause the gums to recede. The process is often gradual, and most people don’t notice it until it’s too late.

The gum recession can be rectified using a surgical procedure. Several gum graft techniques are available and will depend on your severity and stage of the gum disease. But, generally, the dentist will remove tissue from the roof of the mouth and fix it on the affected area to promote tissue growth.

4. Flap Surgery

When the root scaling and planing fail to get rid of the infection, the dentist can opt for pocket reduction surgery. During the procedure, our dentist in Tracy, CA, will first clean off the tartar and smoothen the area to close the tiny spaces that cause bacteria to grow. Next, the dentist will place the gums back to the teeth while reducing the space between the gums and teeth.

5. Bone Graft

At times bone graft is combined with flap surgery. Bone grafting is a procedure done to promote bone growth that was destroyed by the gum infection. The dentist will use bone granules from your body or other sources such as cadaver. The bone can support not only the surrounding tissue but also promote new bone growth.

The above-mentioned surgical procedures are done when necessary. More often than not, root scaling and planing is the ideal treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What Causes Gum Disease?

Poor hygiene and plaque buildup is the primary cause of periodontal disease. However, several factors can increase your risks, such as hormonal changes, smoking, family history, obesity, and certain medications.

Always examine your gums daily if you have any of the above risk factors.

Q. How Can You Tell You Need Gum Treatment?

Both gingivitis and periodontitis have similar symptoms but in varying degrees. The initial symptoms include pain, tender, swollen, and bleeding gums, bad breath, and dark gums. As the infection advances, you will have constant gum bleeding, halitosis, receding gums and bones, pain when chewing, pus in between the gums and teeth, and lose teeth.

Q. Is Gum Disease Preventable?

Yes. Practice proper hygiene, stop smoking, and reduce stress. Additionally, ensure you come to Innovo Dental Implant and studio for your regular dental checkup. It is easy for the dentist to reverse the effects of gum disease is caught early and prevent the possibility of tooth extraction.

According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, one out of every two American adults has gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Even if you don’t have any cavities and have the straightest and brightest pearl whites around, it’s still important to take note of your gums and whether they’re showing signs of infection. Because the disease begins by exhibiting small, hardly noticeable symptoms, it’s important to take preventive measures and visit your dentist in Tracy, CA regularly to stop it in its tracks. Read on to learn more about this common oral condition and how you can prevent it.

What is Gum Disease?

Your mouth is teeming with different types of bacteria, some aren’t harmful, while others can invade your mouth and produce countless side effects. Food particles mixed with saliva and harmful bacteria are constantly coming together to form a colorless sticky substance in your mouth called plaque. It coats your teeth and can harden into tartar if it’s not regularly cleared away with brushing and flossing. Once it hardens, the only thing that can remove it is a professional dental cleaning. These bacteria release harmful toxins that are known to cause inflammation, as well as a variety of other symptoms, infecting your gums and causing permanent damage when left to accumulate.

What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

There are two major stages of gum disease. The earliest is called gingivitis, and the more advanced form is called periodontitis or periodontal disease. When the condition is left untreated, the symptoms and effects become irreversible. However, your dentist may be able to treat and restore your oral health if you visit them early on, before it has had an opportunity to progress. Here are some symptoms of the condition, listed in order of severity:

• Bleeding while brushing and flossing.
• Inflamed, swollen, and irritated gums.
• Chronic bad breath.
• Sensitive teeth.
• Painful chewing.
• Receding gums.
• Loose or shifting permanent teeth.
• Tooth loss.

As soon as you notice any of these signs, immediately visit your dentist in Tracy so they can be addressed before they get worse.

4 Tips to Prevent Gum Disease

Although gum disease is so common, it is often easily preventable with the right oral care and maintenance. The best way to avoid harmful oral bacteria accumulation is to

• Brush your teeth twice each day using fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes and floss every day.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that tobacco use weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off oral infections.
• Visit your dentist every six months for professional checkups and cleanings to diagnose and treat the issue before it causes permanent damage.
• Rinse your mouth every day with antibacterial mouthwash to remove food particles, debris, and harmful bacteria from your mouth.

If you have any questions or would like recommendations and tips on how you can optimize your oral health and protect your mouth from gum disease, ask your dentist at your next routine checkup and cleaning.

About the Author

Dr. TJ Rattan has been a dentist for nearly a decade and is passionate about providing his patients with high-quality and thorough dental treatment. He understands the connection between his patients’ oral and overall health, which is why he offers effective gum disease treatment to stop the disease from progressing. For questions or to schedule a consultation if you notice any signs of gum disease, visit Innovo Dental and Implant Studio’s website or call 209-207-9076.