the key to total oral health
Did you know that gum disease is the most common reason why adults lose teeth? Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that in the United States, one out of every two adults over the age of 30 has periodontal disease. But the good news is that periodontal disease can be avoided almost entirely. At Shore Family Dentistry, we offer a full range of services to help our patients keep their gums healthy and enjoy the benefits of a smile that looks, feels, and works its best.
Some indications that you may have periodontal disease include:
- Inflamed and red gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums and exposed tooth root surfaces
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Teeth that feel loose
- New spaces developing between the teeth or a change in the bite
- Change in the fit of existing partial dentures
- Discharge around the teeth and gums
- Sharp or dull pain when biting down or chewing food

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You might be surprised to learn that many different kinds of microbes live in your mouth. There have been found to be more than 700 different types of bacteria in the mouth. Some of these bacteria are good for your oral health, but others are bad for it. Without regular dental care and good oral hygiene, these harmful bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease, which can hurt both your oral health and your overall health.
The thing to do is be diligent in your oral hygiene, see your dentist every six months, and pay attention! If something feels abnormal or uncomfortable in your mouth or with your gums, call you dentist right away and let them know
Even though gingivitis can usually be fixed with better oral hygiene and professional cleanings, as periodontal disease gets worse, it takes more work to stop it from getting worse. Based on a full evaluation of your periodontal health and a review of possible causes, our office will suggest the best care options. Periodontitis can be treated with a series of deep cleanings called root planing and scaling, surgery to reduce the depth of the pockets, bone or tissue grafts, laser procedures, or antimicrobial drugs.