Preventive Dentistry

The Main Reason for Tooth Loss
Most people think that teeth are mostly lost due to decay. But the most common reason is gum disease. Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms up to the point of losing your teeth. Bleeding gums from brushing or flossing and shifting or loose teeth are signs of gum infection. If treated in the earlier stages of the problem, there are nonsurgical methods to reverse the problem. Once the infection has been chronic, surgery may be the only option.

Gum Disease Has an Effect on Serious Health Conditions
You may be surprised to hear the conclusions of recent medical research. Bacterial infections of the gums can contribute to strokes, diabetes, and respiratory and heart illnesses. As these conditions can be fatal, dentists are now regarding gum disease as a very serious problem. The American Dental Association has provided statistics that indicate 80% of Americans have gum disease. Dentists regard this high percentage to be an epidemic and now consider periodontal disease to be a bigger problem than just losing your teeth.

The bacteria in the gums travels throughout the bloodstream, affecting vital and life-giving areas of the body. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that “studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” 

Easier Treatment for Gum Disease
When gum disease is detected early, there are various nonsurgical methods that can work well to reverse the condition. Surgery may be necessary if the infection is advanced, and it is typically successful in controlling periodontal disease. Both levels of care are usually provided for by most dental insurance coverages.

Is There a Problem with a Missing Tooth?
Yes, even one missing tooth can allow other teeth to shift. This is not good as chewing can be affected and fewer nutrients will be absorbed from the food. It may become more difficult to chew raw fruits and vegetables and instead, softer foods of a higher calorie content may be consumed more often. This can result in unwanted weight gain. Fuller facial contours may be lost without a full set of teeth, which can change the shape of your face to make you look older. Your speech may not always be easy to understand. You can avoid these problems with the replacement of lost teeth with dental implants. They look and perform just like real teeth, and they will feel like they are your natural teeth.

Treating Bleeding or Receding Gums or Chronic Bad Breath
These symptoms are usually an indication of periodontal (gum) disease. The American Dental Association has indicated that most Americans aged 33 to 45 have gum disease at some stage – 90% of the population in this age group! Treatments vary and include deep cleaning, scaling, and surgery. We also offer a very effective, FDA-approved treatment that is an alternative to surgery. With Perio Protect™, you can treat your gums effectively without surgery. It is painless and produces great results. It is easy to do – you simply insert trays that resemble teeth whitening trays over your dental arches. When the necessary medication is just applied to the area, saliva washes it away. But when applied with the trays, Perio Protect maintains the medicine where it needs to be for the amount of time for its ultimate effectiveness. This means less time for healing and returning your gums to a healthy state.

Watertown Dental Care
600 4th Street NE, Suite 207
Watertown, SD 57201
(605) 882-0747
WatertownDentalCare.com