Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in America. Sometimes practicing excellent oral hygiene isn’t enough to combat your teeth’s worst enemy. Today, your Erlanger dentist, Dr. Darlene Henry discusses gum disease, and what you can do about it.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth. Typically, gum disease begins with poor dental hygiene. If you brush and floss regularly, at least twice a day, plaque begins to form on your teeth. When plaque is allowed to remain for more than 48 hours, it calcifies, or hardens, into tartar–an insoluble substance that irritates your gums. Unattended, bacteria will thrive in tartar buildup, causing gum tissue to detach from your teeth and leading to infection.

What Can I Do To Prevent It?

Just like any other type health issue, prevention is the key. If you practice good oral hygiene habits—such as regular tooth brushing and daily flossing—you have a good chance of preventing gum disease before it occurs. Regardless, the symptoms of gum disease aren’t always easy to identify; it’s always best to visit your dentist at least two times a year for a full oral health evaluation.

What Can I Do If I Have Gum Disease?

At our Erlanger dentist office, we provide several different options to aid in your fight against gum disease. We offer conservative treatments to combat gum disease such as scaling and root planting, as well as Gingivectomy if the aforementioned methods are ineffective.

Schedule An Appointment Today

To schedule an appointment for a checkup, cleaning, or just to have Dr. Henry provide you with a breakdown of your overall dental health, call our Erlanger dentist office today at 859-344-8500. We proudly serve families from Cincinnati, Crestview Hills, Fort Mitchell, Florence, Union, Independence, Taylor Mill, and surrounding communities.