As your dentist in Virginia Beach, Dr. Carol Morgan is focused on your oral health. That includes more than just preventing and repairing cavities — your gum health is also crucial to maintaining healthy teeth that last a lifetime. Unfortunately, too many Americans allow their gum health to suffer. In fact, 75 percent of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease. Are you one of them? Keep reading to learn more about the condition, its prevention and periodontal treatment today.

All About Gum Disease: Causes, Prevention, Treatment

Gum disease is a serious condition that, when left untreated, can have severe effects on the sufferer’s overall health — like tooth loss. And although we’re not quite sure why, gum disease has also been linked to serious heart problems, like cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke.

Learn the causes, prevention and treatment of the condition today to decrease the chances that you’ll suffer from one of the serious side effects of gum disease.

Causes of Gum Disease (And How to Prevent It)

The number one cause of gum disease is, quite simply, bad oral hygiene. When plaque isn’t removed daily by diligent tooth brushing, it turns into the hard, yellow tartar that causes tooth decay and gum disease. To remove plaque and prevent tartar, make sure you’re brushing for two minutes, at least twice a day, and flossing daily. If you have trouble reaching the two minute mark each time, try setting a timer until you’re used to what it feels like.

Other risk factors for gum disease include:

• Age: adults past 35 are more likely to have some form of gum disease
• Tobacco use: the substance, used in any form, greatly increases the risk of developing gum disease (not to mention a host of other oral problems)
• Gender: men are more likely to suffer from the condition than women
• Medications: some medications cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of gum disease
• Certain diseases: diabetes and other diseases that compromise the immune system decrease the body’s ability to fight infection, increasing the risk for gum disease.

If you’re at an increased risk for gum disease, make sure you’re visiting your Virginia Beach dentist frequently for routine checkups. If you do develop the disease, she can help you with an effective treatment plan.

Gum Disease Treatment in Virginia Beach, VA

In its earliest stages, gum disease may be little more than the condition we call gingivitis, which is easily reversed with extra-diligent brushing, flossing and a few more visits to Dr. Morgan.

More severe gum disease may require one of the following non-surgical options.

• Scaling: removes tartar from below the gum line
• Root Planing: reduces rough areas on teeth roots
• Antibiotic Therapy
• Laser Treatment: removes bacteria and promotes gum reattachment
• Advanced cases may require the care of a trusted periodontist

If you or a loved one are suffering from gum disease, don’t wait to seek treatment in Virginia Beach, VA. Visit our state-of-the-art office to receive the periodontal care you need — contact us to schedule your appointment with the family dentist in Virginia Beach today!