If the question, “How often do you floss?” is the part of your dental appointment you dread, it may be time to make some changes. Unlike brushing, flossing does not have the instant gratification of cleaner teeth and fresher breath, but the impact of flossing on your tooth and gum health can be amazing. Even more importantly, flossing reduces the risk for and the side effects of numerous chronic and systemic illnesses as well. A recent BBC series discussing oral health in the UK presented some startling evidence that has been interpreted as stating that flossing isn’t essential to oral hygiene. The truth is that the British Dental Association evidence actually said that only brushing has the years of research and longevity studies in the UK that proves necessity as part of regular hygiene routines. While the jury is still out on the effects of flossing in the UK, the American Dental Association studies reveal brushing alone isn’t enough to remove plaque between teeth. Flossing is essential to oral health, especially in prevention of gum disease, one of the most common oral health concerns, the leading cause of tooth loss in the US, and the reason for many of the whole body health concerns related to poor oral health. Find out more about how flossing may help you prevent dental and whole body health concerns below, or contact your Toledo dentistry team at Dental Group West.
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Find out How Oral and Overall Health Connect from Your Family Dentist Toledo
November 16, 2015
Protect Your Good Health with Non- Surgical Gum Disease Treatment from Dental Group West in Toledo, OH
February 10, 2015
Untreated gum disease can affect more than just your teeth. Although gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, recent studies have also linked gum disease with an increased risk for developing a number of serious health conditions, including: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease. Gum disease is not always painful and you may be unaware you have it, until it has already caused significant damage. This is just another reason why it’s so important to have regular dental check-ups. To protect your good health, make a gum disease treatment appointment with Dr. Thomas, Dr. Poole, or Dr. Weisenburger at Dental Group West today. Dental Group West delivers quality care daily throughout Toledo, OH, Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg, and the surrounding communities.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Your mouth is full of bacteria that feed upon food particles and saliva. These bacteria can form a sticky and harmful acidic film on your teeth called plaque. Over time, the acid in plaque begins to break down your tooth’s enamel to cause decay. The bacteria in plaque can also infect and inflame your gums, making them bleed and become red and tender. Although plaque can be easily removed by brushing and flossing your teeth every day, it can harden and form another substance called tartar, which can’t be removed by brushing alone. Tartar sticks much more firmly to teeth and can only be removed with a professional dental cleaning. If plaque and tarter accumulate, they will cause the gum disease Gingivitis to take root. If Gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance into a more serious form of gum disease, Periodontitis. Periodontitis creates deep pockets between teeth and gums, causing teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. The bacteria from Periodontitis can also spread to other parts of the body wreaking havoc on your overall health.
Do You Have Gum Disease?
If you are experiencing any of the following gum disease symptoms, you should make an immediate appointment for gum disease treatment:
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- A constant unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Loosened teeth
- Collections of pus that develop under your gums or teeth
Toledo Gum Disease Treatment Appointments
To treat your gum disease symptoms, the experienced general dentists of Dental Group West may suggest that you have your teeth scaled and polished. In some more advanced cases, root planing may also be required. This is a deep cleaning under the gums that gets rid of bacteria from the roots of your teeth. We will gently scrape away plaque and tartar and polish your teeth to remove marks or stains. If your gum disease has progressed, you may need more than one scale and polish appointment. Either way, our highly qualified dentists will be able to stop gum disease from damaging your health any further. Make your gum disease treatment appointment with Dr. Thomas, Dr. Poole, or Dr. Weisenburger at Dental Group West today. Dental Group West proudly serves families daily throughout Toledo, OH, Bowling Green, Sylvania, Oregon, Perrysburg, and neighboring areas.