The primary reason most dental experts and dental health professionals stress the importance of regular visits and checkups is their preventive capability. When it comes to dental health, preventive measures including brushing, flossing and regular dentist visits, can have a huge positive impact.  When it comes to dental diseases, if they are addressed early enough, you’ll not only save a lot of money in the long run, you will also save yourself a lot of future headaches as well.

It’s very important to understand that while gum disease, periodontal disease, and gingivitis are interconnected issues, they can often be prevented before one leads to another. Gingivitis is the least severe of the aforementioned ailments, and it’s usually preventable with good dental care. It is caused due to the buildup of plaque and food in and around the gums. This is very common in people that are simply careless about brushing and flossing. While brushing is usually sufficient to remove most plaque, it’s imperative to routinely floss to address any lingering buildup in and around teeth. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year can also address any hard-to-reach areas.

Signs of gingivitis including bleeding gums from brushing and irritation, and if left untreated, it can turn into full-blown periodontal disease when teeth and gums can begin to deteriorate, and in some severe cases, surgery is the only way to address the problem. If periodontal disease is left untreated, it can become gum disease, where the deepest tissues of the gums begin to fully decay and get infected.

At Yorkshire Family Dentistry, we have the expertise and knowledge to treat gum disease. To learn more, call us today. We are conveniently located at 3212 Hampton Hwy., Yorktown, VA 23693.