General Dentistry

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, this is usually an indicator for the early stages of gum disease. Sometimes bleeding gums can be accompanied by swollen gums. The bleeding is usually caused by a buildup of plaque or calculus that has accumulated below the gumline. Gingivitis, or gum disease in its earliest stages, is reversible if you seek treatment right away.

Gingivitis will worsen if left untreated. Later stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, cannot be reversed and will eventually lead to tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is the number one reason for tooth loss among adults in this country. Although periodontitis cannot be cured, it can be managed through deep cleanings at your dentist office. This can also help prevent gum disease from progressing.

One of the biggest problems with gum disease is that it often develops with no symptoms at all. The only way to know for sure if your gums are healthy is with an oral examination. This is why it is imperative that you visit your dentist regularly for biannual examinations and cleanings.

Whether your gums are bleeding or you are simply overdue for a regular exam, give Town Square Family Dentistry a call to make an appointment!

In most cases, your dentist will recommend a dental examination and teeth cleaning twice a year—or every six months. Seeing your dentist twice a year makes it possible to monitor your oral health. One of those visits will usually include dental x-rays, which will enable your dentist to detect potential dental issues while they are still small.

Depending on your particular situation, however, your dentist might recommend that you see the dentist more than twice a year. For those patients who have been diagnosed with gum disease, for instance, deep cleanings might be required every few months to help keep gums as healthy as possible. If you have gum disease, your dentist will develop a plan that is appropriate to maximize your good oral health.

In between visits to the dentist, be sure to practice diligent home care by brushing at least twice each day and flossing once (preferably at bedtime). Although nothing can take the place of a professional dental cleaning, it’s crucial that you brush and floss regularly. Avoid sugary foods and beverages to help in the prevention of plaque buildup as well as cavities.

If you have any questions about how frequently you should visit the dentist, we welcome you to give us a call. If it’s been a while since you last saw the dentist, we will be happy to put you on the Town Square Family Dentistry schedule!

As you know, eating foods such as garlic or onions can cause a temporary case of bad breath. But when bad breath persists, there can be other reasons for halitosis. The main reason for bad breath is usually because of poor dental hygiene. But there are other causes of bad breath as well, including:

• Food particles that have gotten stuck between teeth
• Dry mouth (often from certain medications)
• Sinus drainage
• Gum disease
• Respiratory or gastrointestinal issues

If you are experiencing bad breath, it’s important to take good care of your dental hygiene. Be sure to brush thoroughly, including your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. This can help ensure you have gotten all the bacteria and food particles. Flossing is equally important because it can eliminate any bacteria and food that may accumulate between teeth. You can also rinse with a mouthwash. Try to find one that doesn’t contain any alcohol as alcohol can dry out your mouth, increasing your risk of having bad breath.

When your breath is still bad despite thorough brushing and flossing, it might be time to visit the dentist to find out if there are other causes. Give us a call today to make an appointment!