A Dentist in Lake Forest Can Treat Gingivitis

As a dentist in Lake Forest, we are intimately aware that there is a rising problem with gingivitis in the United States today. Too many adults are finding themselves having to deal with bloody toothbrushes, swollen gums, and some of the other symptoms that come with contracting gingivitis. While swollen or bleeding gums are a nuisance, they are only a precursor to much more severe conditions if your gingivitis turns into periodontal disease. Unfortunately, there is a direct correlation between people not visiting the dentist on a regular schedule and the rise in conditions such as gingivitis.

A routine check-up at our dentist office is one of the best ways to keep your teeth in the best condition and avoid gum diseases. The good news for anyone worried about contracting some form of gum disease is that there are incredibly simple steps that you can take to mitigate, and even completely remove, your risk of contracting one of these conditions.

As a dentist in Lake Forest, one of the things we always make sure to do is to ensure that you leave with a new toothbrush. There are two very important reasons why we give you a toothbrush every time you visit for your bi-annual visit, and both have to do with protecting the oral health of your teeth, and working to offset any chances of gum disease.

As your dentist in Lake Forest, we know that the type of toothbrush you use has a considerable impact on your ability to get the most cleaning out of it. We know that a toothbrush that is moderately soft, and the right size for your mouth, is going to do the most effective job of getting into all the nooks and crannies and removing the plaque from your teeth.  If the brush is too hard, you risk damaging your tooth enamel and gums,  and if the brush is too soft it is not going to be effective in removing the plaque from the teeth. Plaque buildup is what leads to decay in the teeth, and can also lead to gum disease. It is critically important that you have a good toothbrush in order to help offset any chances of getting a gum disease.

In addition to having a toothbrush that is the right hardness, and also the right size, we know that your toothbrush needs to be replaced at least once every six months. This is true if you use a regular old-fashioned toothbrush or if you have an electric toothbrush.  As such, when you leave our dentist office, we will make sure that you have a brand new toothbrush to replace the one at home, or to remind you that it's time to replace your electric toothbrush head.  The reason why it is so important to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head, at least once every six months is because bristles that are frayed do not do as good a job at removing the plaque from your teeth. Even more startlingly, a toothbrush that is too old or worn can help to spread bacteria and infection rather than helping your mouth fight it.

In addition to examining you and making sure that you have a new toothbrush, we can clean your teeth and gums to remove built up plaque and tartar which will also reduce the likelihood of you developing gum disease.  For help with your gums, call our office and schedule an examination.