A given smile’s viability is greatly assisted by semi-annual dental visits. Maintenance is just part of a visit’s benefits, but the investigatory inspection that occurs is equally important. Dentists use these visits to search for inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) which can be a sign of early periodontal disease, which left untreated, could turn to tooth and bone loss.

Teeth are delicate beasts. Bacterial infection can attack the nerve endings, blood vessels and morrow as well as the gums and roots.

Seemingly unrelated medical conditions can effect gums and teeth, including diabetes, kidney diseases, and hormonal changes. A holistic approach to periodontal disease is used by dentists to find underlying causes.

Regardless of initial cause, it is important to halt the problems. A change in oral hygiene regimen is usually the first step, but often a mouth guard for tooth grinding will be utilized. Scaling or root planning may be used as well. These are not procedures to be feared, as they are routine in dental offices.

If periodontal disease has already been discovered, tissue regeneration or grafts may be used in treatment, or even newer laser treatments.