You care about your smile. It’s why you brush your teeth every day.

It’s also why you should care about the health of your gums. Gum disease (not cavities) is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Gum disease is also a widespread problem, affecting nearly half of adults 30 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

We aren’t sharing this information to scare you. We are sharing it so you know that you can do something about it. You can be proactive by including flossing in your daily hygiene routine and by getting regular dental cleanings and exams at our Beverly, MA dental office.

And in case you do show symptoms of gum disease, we offer important treatments as part of our general dentistry that can get rid of your infection and restore the appearance of your healthy smile.

To learn more, keep reading or call 978-288-1946 to schedule an appointment with our team at Martins Dental Partners.

Signs of Periodontal Problems

Learning the symptoms of gum or periodontal disease can help you take action to treat it early. With mild gum infections, you may even be able to reserve the problem just by improving your daily oral care routine.

Keep in mind that healthy gums look pink and feel firm to the touch. Here are signs that you may have a problem:

  • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
  • Gums that appear red, swollen, or both
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Lingering bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
  • Teeth that feel loose or move in their sockets
  • Pain or soreness

Please note that many people don’t feel any pain until their gum disease has reached an advanced stage, and some people never feel pain in spite of their infection. That’s why it’s important to recognize the other symptoms, so you know to seek help before your teeth are falling out.

Treating Your Gums

The good news is that gum infections can be treated, and that treatment is much more effective when it’s done correctly.

At our office, your treatment will be overseen by our own Dr. Valerie Martins. She is a board-certified periodontist, which means she is an expert on gum health. After dental school, she completed years of additional training to treat gum problem.

In addition to scaling and root planing, we offer advanced procedures to remove infected tissue and, when needed, to restore your gumline to its original position.

Prevention is Always Your Best Option

We are confident that we can address gum problems you and your loved ones may have now or in the future. However, we would prefer to help you avoid the need for periodontal treatment. You can do this by making preventive dental care a priority.

That means brushing twice daily, flossing every day, and scheduling routine checkups at Martins Dental Partners. We enjoy helping families and individuals in and around Beverly, MA keep their smiles.

Let us help you, too. To make your next appointment with us, contact us online or call 978-288-1946.