When it comes to our dental health, most patients focus on the appearance of their teeth. But did you know that gum health is just as important if no more so? The gums actually support and nourish the teeth. If they are damaged or compromised by gum disease, the health, and stability of your teeth are in danger. Dr. Jeffries and the dental care team at Herndon Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will monitor the health of your gums when you visit with us regularly. Routine dental care is a key factor in avoiding gum disease throughout your life. Why Is Gum Health Important? Our gums play a couple of significant roles in the enjoyment of good oral health and physical wellness. Gum tissue is the support structure for our teeth and tooth roots. The gums also create a barrier between the harmful bacteria often found in our mouths and our bloodstream. This protects our immune system and prevents internal inflammation. Both of these roles are also supporting good overall health and reducing our risk of oral disease and the effects of internal inflammation. Studies have shown that poor oral health and especially advanced periodontitis can impact heart health, cognitive health and raise the risk of tooth loss. Our goal is to help you identify your unique risk factors for gum disease and to provide personalized care and recommendations to manage them between visits. Do I Have Gum Disease? Gum disease is both “silent” and progressive and most people will not realize they have it until more serious complications have developed. There are several common signs that you may be developing gingivitis or early-stage gum disease. If you notice that your gums bleed when brushing, they appear red or swollen, or are receding, it is important to seek dental care. Dr. Jeffries can evaluate the condition of your gums and conservative treatment is often effective when caught early. If you can see pockets forming around the tooth roots, have noticed an increased sensitivity to temperature, or feel that your teeth are shifting, more advanced gum disease may be present. We offer periodontal treatment to restore gum health and can coordinate any necessary oral surgical care with a local specialist if there is significant tissue damage. Visit Our Herndon Dentist Office If you are looking for a dentist in Herndon VA or have concerns about the health of your smile due to lack of dental care we welcome you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffries. Maintaining the health of your gums will allow you to enjoy optimal oral health.
3 Signs It’s Time To Call The Dentist
Sometimes, it’s difficult to know when to call the dentist’s office and schedule your next appointment. As your trusted dentist in Herndon, VA, we want to provide some tips on maintaining your best oral health. Rest assured that when you visit us, our team takes the time to understand your dental health needs better, discuss your concerns, and build a treatment plan suited to your every need. Here are three signs that it’s time to contact our dental office: Bleeding Gums Bleeding gums are one of the only noticeable signs that you might be developing gum disease. Otherwise known as a “silent” disease, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. If you notice that your gums are bleeding whenever you brush or floss your teeth, this is a good sign that it’s time to schedule your next dental appointment. It is very likely that your gums are bleeding due to a buildup of plaque or tartar around your gum line. Plaque and tartar are essentially hardened bacteria residues that can eat away at your gums and infect the bones that hold your teeth in place. When you come to visit us for an oral health and wellness visit, we remove all plaque and tartar from your gum line to help stop the progression of gum disease and restore your oral health. Dental Pain or Discomfort Any dental pain or discomfort should be reported to your dentist as soon as possible. Toothaches, jaw pain, or dental damage need to be evaluated and treated in a timely manner to help prevent further damage or discomfort. Even if your pain subsides, it’s important to have all dental concerns evaluated so that they do not return in the future. While some minor health issues go away on their own, dental concerns largely do not. In fact, it is very common for dental concerns to get worse over time. That’s why we encourage our patients to call us immediately if they experience a dental emergency. We are here to help you restore your smile and ensure the longevity of your dental structures. Our goal is to alleviate your symptoms, restore your oral health, and prevent further injuries to your smile. It’s Been Over Six Months Since Your Last Appointment We recommend scheduling an oral health and wellness visit once every six months. This is because most dental concerns, unfortunately, do not have any noticeable symptoms. It’s best to have your teeth evaluated by a professional dentist as often as possible to ensure any underlying issues are taken care of before they require more costly care. We perform a full range of preventive care services in our Herndon, VA dentist office. We are proud to deliver exceptional dental care that is designed to meet your unique needs using conservative treatment options to preserve the natural integrity of your smile. If it has been over six months since your last dental appointment, please schedule an appointment with our compassionate team today. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Are Bleeding Gums Normal?
Some patients notice bleeding gums during routine brushing and flossing. If this is the case, bleeding gums are not normal. Bleeding gums is one of the most common signs of gum disease, a bacterial infection of the gums. Early diagnosis and intervention for gum disease can help reduce the risk of complications associated with advanced stage gum diseases, such as tooth loss, bone loss, and receding gums. Dr. Mark Jefferies offers routine screenings for gum disease and a full range of periodontal therapy services to address the varying stages of gingivitis and periodontitis. What Causes Bleeding Gums? There are many reasons you may experience bleeding gums. Here on the common reasons for bleeding gums: Gum Disease Regular brushing and flossing are imperative to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. When you don’t brush or floss your teeth, you accumulate plaque. The bacteria from the plaque can cause inflammation and irritation in the gums, which leads to gingivitis. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and one of the most common signs of it is bleeding gums. At the earliest stage, gum disease is reversible. Our team can work with you to reverse the effects of gingivitis with a personalized treatment plan. Keep in mind, the longer that bleeding gums are left untreated, the more likely the infection will get worse. As gum disease progresses, your gums may recede, which may allow bacteria to make its way to the tissue below the gum line. If this occurs, it can increase your risk of bone and tooth loss. Medication Certain types of medication can increase your risk of bleeding gums. For example, aspirin, birth control, and blood pressure medication can contribute to bleeding gums. It is important to let our team know about the medicines you are taking so we can determine if that is contributing to your bleeding gums. Pregnancy The hormone in the body changes when you are pregnant. Studies have shown that pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing gingivitis. If you are pregnant and notice any changes in your dental health like bleeding gums, please be sure to contact our team. Dr. Jefferies can work with you to help improve your dental health and discuss ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy while pregnant. When Should I Visit The Dentist For Bleeding Gums? It is important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for a routine dental exam, screening, and professional dental cleaning. However, if you notice any changes in your dental health, you may want to schedule an appointment with our team. Dr. Jefferies is an experienced dentist in Herndon, VA who is committed to helping you achieve healthier teeth and gums. He can work with you to restore health and balance to your smile. To schedule an appointment, you can call (703) 570-1152 or request an appointment online.