Internal

Gum (periodontal) disease is a bacterial infection caused by plaque – the sticky, colorless, bacteria-filled film that adheres to your teeth. If bacteria are not removed and the inflammation continues, the gum tissues can be destroyed and more advanced stages of gum disease may follow.

As gum disease advances, the pockets grow deeper, and plaque moves further down the tooth root, destroying supporting bone. The affected teeth may loosen and eventually fall out. Since gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, regular dental exams and cleanings, as well as brushing and flossing twice a day, is vital to keeping your teeth.

Personal habits – such as tobacco use or drinking coffee, tea and other beverages – can cause tooth staining. In addition to removing plaque and tartar during your cleaning, your hygienist will polish your teeth to a beautiful shine. The result? A whiter and brighter smile!

Persistent bad breath (halitosis) has oral causes such as poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, a coating on the surface of the tongue, food stuck between teeth, unclean dentures, oral carcinomas or throat infections. Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing many of these conditions and can, in turn, prevent bad breath. Regular checkups and cleanings are the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene.

There is mounting evidence of a connection between a person’s oral and overall health. Recent studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease. Although no causal relationships have been discovered, a dental cleaning every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Most dental insurance plans have low or no copayments/coinsurance for routine preventive care such as dental cleanings and checkups every six months. If you take advantage of your benefits, you’ll save money in the long run by avoiding more costly dental procedures that can result from poor oral hygiene