Healthy gums are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile. Finding ways to keep your gums healthy can save your time and money in the long run. Dr. Benjamin Stevens is an experienced dentist who strives to provide comprehensive, high-quality dental care. Our Greenwood dental office is equipped with advanced technology and a variety of dental services to help improve the health of your smile. It is also important for patients to practice proper oral hygiene to help minimize their risk of gum related dental issues.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease refers to the development of plaque and bacteria that isn’t properly removed from the teeth, causing tooth decay and gum disease. When gum disease occurs, it can infect the connective tissue and bone supporting the teeth, which causes your gums to become inflamed or even cause your teeth to shift.
Some other signs and symptoms of gum disease include:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Pockets surrounding the gums
- Swollen and red gums
At Beautiful Smiles, general dentist Dr. Stevens offers a full range of periodontal therapy treatments to help restore the health of your gums and bring back your beautiful smile.
Gum Disease Prevention in Indianapolis
With proper care and knowledge, you can help minimize your risks of developing gum disease. At Beautiful smiles in Greenwood, IN, we encourage patients to practice healthy oral health habits to help improve the longevity and health of their smile.
Tip #1: Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Making sure you properly remove bacteria and debris that can turn into plaque is imperative to maintaining the health of your smile. Brushing helps eliminate bacteria from the teeth and tongue that can stick to the teeth and lead to decay if not properly cleaned. Flossing helps remove stubborn debris that is stuck between the teeth and it reaches places that brushing alone can not reach.
Tip #2: Use an ADA approved mouth wash. Mouthwash is a great way to flush out any left over bacteria or debris left in the mouth after proper brushing and flossing. Mouthwash can help reduce your risk of developing gingivitis and reduce the risk of plaque from developing.
Tip #3: Schedule preventive care visits. Preventive care is set into place to allow Dr. Stevens to properly check your mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw for any complex dental issues. Our comprehensive preventive care exam includes professional teeth cleaning, which helps remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that at home brushing and flossing can not remove.
Tip #4: Try to quit smoking. Smoking doesn’t have any benefits to your oral health. However, it does have a number of negative effects on your oral health. Smoking makes it difficult for your gums to fight off infection and heal over time.
Schedule A Dental Visit and Gum Disease Treatment
Are you experiencing signs of gum disease? Schedule a visit to Beautiful Smiles in Greenwood, Indiana to get your gums thoroughly examined. Dr. Stevens will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to restore the health of your gums. Patients can schedule an appointment online or call us today.