General Dentistry

Gum Disease

Recent Studies Show People with Healthy Mouths Live Longer

According to Dr. Charles Mayo, founder of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, people who keep their natural teeth live an average of 10 years longer than people who lose them! What’s the number one cause of adult tooth loss? Gum disease.

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and jawbones that typically results from poor oral hygiene. Previously, Gum disease was considered to be an oral problem exclusively. Recent studies have found that patients with Gum disease are twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and pregnancy complications.

Symptoms of Gum disease are so mild that they often go unnoticed until the disease has reached an advanced stage. Common symptoms include:

• Bleeding, sore, or inflamed gums
• Pockets between teeth or receding gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Changes in bite (the way the teeth fit together)
• Sores inside the mouth
• No noticeable symptoms

Currently, there is no cure for Gum disease, but it can be treated if caught in its early stages. Dr. Taxin and our team take a proactive approach to Gum disease. At your regular cleaning or checkup, Dr. Taxin will measure the space between your teeth and gums with a periodontal probe. If he finds any recession, he will recommend therapies to fight bacterial infection.

We offer the following therapies to alleviate symptoms of Gum disease and restore your oral health:

• caling - to remove hardened plaque from below the gum line
• Root planing - to reduce rough areas on tooth roots
• Antibiotics - to battle infection

Advanced Gum disease is a serious condition that may require the attention of a specialist. Dr. Taxin will work with a trusted periodontist and your healthcare physician to ensure a full recovery.

Let us help you live a healthy lifestyle with Gum disease treatment and prevention. Call our dental office today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Taxin. Our Hopewell Junction practice serves patients from the surrounding areas. Learn more about Gum disease in our patient library.

©2002 Paul Taxin, DMD
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