Category Archives: Gum Health

FAQ About Periodontal Therapy

Closeup of a toothbrush with blood on it over a sink with blood from gum disease

At Vero Dental, we offer periodontal therapy for patients who are experiencing gum disease, a common dental disease. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a progressive condition caused by bacteria overgrowth in the mouth. There are multiple reasons why one might develop gum disease, but it’s most likely due to a lack of proper oral hygiene.

What Are the Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Early-stage gum disease, or gingivitis, starts off with bleeding, tender, and swollen gums. Over time, the bacteria that has accumulated along and under the gums causes bad breath and the gums to separate from the teeth. This can lead to gum recession and tooth sensitivity, and eventually tooth decay and tooth loss.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

The best ways to treat gum disease in its early stages is through deep cleanings and improved oral hygiene at home. During a deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing), your dental team will meticulously remove plaque and tartar that have formed under your gum line. More advanced gum disease can require antibiotics, laser treatment, or surgery.

Is Periodontal Therapy Expensive?

The cost of treatment depends on how advanced your gum disease is. It’s very important to seek treatment if you have gum disease to prevent the spread of infection, as well as total tooth loss. Vero Dental offers a variety of payment options to keep our treatments affordable, and we will always provide you with a cost estimate of your treatment to ensure it fits your budget.

We Can Help Improve Your Gum Health

If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, contact Vero Dental today to schedule an appointment at our office in Denver, CO. We can explain how periodontal therapy can help you enjoy a healthy smile and improve your quality of life.

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Causes of Gum Disease

Closeup of a toothbrush with blood on it and blood in the sink from gum disease

Your gums are an essential part of your oral health. They help anchor your teeth into your mouth and provide a barrier so bacteria can’t access the sensitive inner portion of your teeth. If you don’t take care of your teeth and your gums, you risk developing periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.

In this blog post, learn what causes gum disease and how to prevent it.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

There are several stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

Gingivitis is characterized by gum inflammation and irritation. The gums are swollen, tender, abnormally red, and prone to bleeding.

Periodontitis is when the gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. The tissues and bone surrounding the teeth become damaged. You may experience chronic bad breath, bleeding, sensitivity, pain, and even pus. Eventually, the teeth can fall out and your jawbone can deteriorate, which will change your facial shape and impair your ability to chew, talk, and smile with confidence.

Causes of Gum Disease

The primary cause of gum disease is plaque accumulation from poor oral hygiene. Plaque is a film of bacteria that builds up along and under your gumline, as well as on and between your teeth, unless it is properly brushed and flossed away every day. Plaque irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and infection.

Many factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. These include:

  • Smoking and Tobacco Use
  • High Consumption of Sugar and Carbohydrates
  • Uncontrolled Diabetes
  • Hormonal Changes
  • Certain Medications
  • Genetics

How to Prevent Gum Disease

To prevent gum disease, maintain superb oral health habits! For example:

  • Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day for two minutes each time.
  • Floss every day.
  • Visit Vero Dental at least every six months for a checkup and cleaning. We’ll let you know if you’d benefit from more frequent visits! These appointments allow our team to detect early signs of gum disease, suggest oral care tips, and remove plaque with our special dental tools.
  • Avoid tobacco products and sugary gum.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Consume a balanced diet.

Periodontal Therapy at Vero Dental

If you have noticed changes in your gum health, please contact us today for a checkup. Our expert team can examine your mouth and determine the best course of action to improve your gum health! We also invite you to explore our website to learn about our comprehensive dental services and affordable payment options.

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5 Tips for Healthy Gums

Brunette man wearing a green shirt and sunglasses smiles by a lake with healthier gums in Denver, CO

Happy National Gum Disease Awareness Month! Now is the time to check-in on your gum health, and consider what you can do to safeguard or improve it. In this post, we’ll go over our five top tips for promoting healthy gums.

  1. Brush Right
  2. When it comes to gum health, your general oral care is a top priority. When you’re caring for your teeth, you’re also caring for your gums. Need a refresher on great oral care? Brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush is a must. Make sure you’re doing it for two minutes each time, and that you’re not brushing too forcefully. Aggressive brushing can damage the teeth and gums.

  3. Never Skip Flossing
  4. Brushing and flossing go hand-in-hand. So in addition to daily brushing, you need to be flossing daily. Why? Flossing gets at the places that a toothbrush just can’t. Dental floss can reach the pesky plaque hiding between your teeth and under your gums, which is a key culprit in causing gum disease.

  5. Eat a Balanced Diet
  6. A healthy diet full of lean proteins, fruits, and veggies, and low in processed sugars and carbohydrates, will help you create less plaque, which means you reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

  7. Stay Hydrated
  8. Drinking lots of water is excellent for both your overall health and your oral health. Water rinses out the mouth and removes food particles and plaque that cause gum disease. Plus, it stimulates saliva production. Saliva is a key element in your mouth’s defense against disease and decay. It contains powerful enzymes that fight germs and promote healthy gums.

  9. Visit Vero Dental in Denver, CO
  10. When it comes to gum disease, early detection is the best way to beat it. Visit our dental office twice a year for routine cleanings and exams. At these appointments, our Denver dentists will evaluate your mouth for oral health issues, like gum disease and tooth decay. But if you notice your gums are swollen, tender, bleeding, and abnormally red, schedule your next appointment ASAP so we can help you achieve healthier gums!

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