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Gingivitis

What Does Periodontal Scaling Involve?

Bright red gums that are swollen and tender, a receding gum line, and loose teeth are all symptoms of periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease. The disease itself can be mild, moderate or severe and is found amongst 47.2% of Americans, meaning nearly half of the U.S. population is in need of care or treatment. The most severe form of periodontal disease is periodontitis, while the mild form is known as gingivitis.  During routine cleanings, dentists scale teeth to prevent gum disease. However, if you have advanced signs of gum disease the dentist will perform periodontal scaling, which includes [...]

How does pregnancy affect your oral health?

Pregnancy presents a unique set of challenges affecting oral health. If you are considering getting pregnant, we highly recommend seeing your dentist for a teeth cleaning and exam in advance. However, if you are already pregnant, the second trimester is the best time to receive routine dental care, but you should wait until after the baby is born to have any major procedures or oral surgeries. It is important to take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant as the hormonal changes increase the risk of developing gum disease due to the body’s response to plaque. Pregnancy does [...]

The Perils of Plaque

What is Plaque When food and saliva combine in the mouth they create a soft deposit called plaque, a sticky, colorless film that is constantly coating the teeth. Plaque contains millions of bacteria, and when you consume foods and drinks that have sugars and starches the bacteria uses it to create acids that attack the enamel surrounding the teeth. Because plaque is so sticky, these acids can stay on the teeth for long periods of time if you do not floss and brush frequently. Over time, allowing plaque to build up on the teeth can lead to tooth decay [...]

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