General dentists are primary care dentists for patients of all ages. They are primarily responsible for your oral health but can complete cosmetic procedures as well. It is important to see a general dentist on a regular basis in order to prevent serious conditions such as gum disease. Gum disease is the inflammation of the gum area. If left untreated the condition will spread to the bone beneath the gums and cause irreversible damage to the teeth and bone area. General dentists in NE Minneapolis can provide regular cleanings to help ward off gum disease.
Without regular dental hygiene, gum disease is highly probable. There are three stages of gum disease and each should be treated aggressively to avoid loss of the tooth. The first stage of gum disease is most commonly seen in dental offices. The first stage is known as gingivitis and cause the gum area to become red and swollen. Many times the gums will bleed when the patient brushes their teeth or floss. Fortunately, this is the earliest stage and General Dentists in NE Minneapolis can help to reverse the damage. The next stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis. At this stage the bone that holds the tooth in place is irreversibly damaged. Regular cleanings and proper care at home can help to keep the condition from worsening. The final stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. Once a patient has reached this stage the fibers and bones supporting the tooth are destroyed. Teeth will shift and loosen, and eventually fall out.
There are many signs of gum disease and patients should heed the warnings as soon as they notice symptoms of gum disease. Symptoms like reddening or swelling of gums, bleeding gums, receding gum line, and constant bad breath are all signs of gum disease. When conditions worsen a dentist will not be able to save the teeth. This is why proper dental hygiene and regular dental visits to Diamond Dental are so important. Brushing, flossing and the use of mouth wash are all great ways to reduce plaque around the teeth. Remember, early intervention can help to save the teeth and give patients a reason to smile for many years to come.