Don’t panic if one of your Greenfield, MA dentists, Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda. tell you that you have gum disease at your next checkup. While we are passionate about trying to prevent gum disease when possible, the problem is pervasive. In fact, roughly 80% of American adults have some form of gum disease as we speak. You may be one of the majority, or on your way to your first signs of gingivitis (early gum disease). Education and implementation of proper oral hygiene at home can help.
Preventing Gum Disease Before it Starts
You can start your gum disease prevention in two simple ways:
- You should visit your Greenfield, MA dentists for checkups and cleanings every six months, year after year. A mere 24% of people in the United States follow this schedule, but it’s never too late to make a change. Gum disease is inflammation that results from infection. It begins with plaque, which calcifies into tartar. When tartar develops, there’s only one person that can clean it off safely and properly – your dental hygienist. This is why twice annual cleanings are so important.
- Twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and swishing your mouth with a germ killing rinse approved by the ADA (American Dental Association) will keep plaque and tartar from building up quickly between dental cleanings. Follow a proper regimen, and you’ll likely find that your dental checkups get easier and easier, and your dentist and hygienist will be congratulating you for the good work.
Never Too Late
Yes, prevention is ideal, but as we said earlier, it’s never too late to pay attention to your dental health. No matter what state your teeth are in, don’t be embarrassed. Just schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Treatments exist for gum disease. It cannot be cured, unfortunately, but the progression of the infection can be stopped, making it possible for you to live a full life with a smile full of natural teeth.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Greenfield, MA Dentists Today
If you are due for a dental checkup, visit our 01301 dentist office. Call 413-772-0842 to make an appointment with Drs. Bagley, Goodwin, and Hrinda. We are proud to serve patients in the western region of Massachusetts, close to the surrounding states of CT, NH, VT, and NY.