Gum health is a crucial part of having great oral health. Our Royal Oak MI dental office is here to guide you to better gum health and a better smile. Unfortunately, patients often don’t understand the role great gums can play in their smile. The truth is that bad gums can destroy your smile or even claim your teeth. The good news is that you can visit our Royal Oak MI dental office for your gum disease treatment.

At North Oaks Dental, we have five skilled dentists ready to give you a better, brighter smile. Each of dentists is trained in all aspects of general dentistry, and we are using advanced technology to treat your gum and tooth issues.

Today we want to list 4 things you need to know about your gums. Better understanding your gums will help you to understand why gum health is so important.

  • 1. Gum disease is the No. 1 cause of tooth loss

It might surprise you to learn that gum disease, not trauma or decay, is the leading cause of tooth loss. Gum disease typically starts with bleeding or swollen gums, but it can quickly spread throughout the mouth. When the infection attacks the gums, it can create an infectious pocket between the tooth and gums. Then, if left untreated, the infection can destroy the bone, causing the tooth to fail.

  • 2. Gum problems affect millions of people

It’s estimated that about 50 percent of all adults in America will struggle with gum disease in their lives. That number rises to about 70 percent for adults 65 and older. This means there are million of people who have gum disease.

  • 3. Gum disease is no always curable

The early stages of gum disease, gingivitis, typically begins with bleeding and swollen gums.  Gingivitis can be cured with medical invention. We can clean the tartar and bacteria from the gums and place antibiotics to reduce the risk of an infection coming back. But gum disease can’t be cured in its later stages — we call this stage periodontitis. We can manage the problem, but we cannot cure it. If you have periodontitis, we suggest that you visit the dentist every three to four months for cleanings.

  • 4. You may not need traditional gum surgery

The most common way to treat gum disease or gum problems is with traditional surgery. That requires the use of scalpels and stitches, and it often means a great deal of recovery.

At North Oaks Dental, we are using laser therapy to treat gum issues. The laser will evaporate the gum infection and allow the teeth and gums to re-attach. Best of all, we don’t have to use scalpels or stitches to treat the gums, which will improve the recovery time and leave less risk of future infections. We can also use the laser treatment to reshape the gums to help you have a more symmetrical smile that will also let your teeth stand out more.

Visit Us Today

Gum health is an extremely important part of your oral health. We love giving our patients tips about how to improve the health of their gums and teeth. We’d love to discuss your oral health a little more. Give us a call today at 248-712-1522 (Royal Oak) 248-963-1969 (New Hudson) 586-685-7937 (Sterling Heights) or use our convenient the online form to schedule a visit.