Oak Hill Dentist – What to Do about Periodontal Disease

The Oak Hill community is located to the east of Washington Dulles International Airport, and is popular with commuters into Washington, DC. As part of Fairfax County, Virginia, it is located in close proximity to a number of excellent healthcare organizations. With so many choices, you can be assured that your Oak Hill dentist will be of a high quality. This can be helpful when the time comes to treat and prevent periodontal disease, a common affliction for older adults. Yet proper dental care begins in childhood. No matter what your age is, if you live in Oak Hill, you will need to find a local dentist to help you treat and prevent periodontal disease.

To get started, it’s helpful to learn a little bit more about what periodontal disease is and how it happens. It is an infection that can range in severity from mild to serious, which can attack healthy gums, teeth, and underlying bone structures. The disease usually begins with a buildup of plaque on the surface of teeth, which can become tartar over time. Plaque is a film composed of food debris and saliva. With regular cleanings courtesy of your Oak Hill dentist, you can remove plaque and scrape off tartar. At-home care is also extremely important, as regular brushing and flossing can also keep teeth clean.

There are a few signs that indicate you may want to see an Oak Hill dentist about periodontal disease. If you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums, this is one sign that there may be something wrong. The first stage of the disease is known as gingivitis, and is quite common. You can reverse the effects of gingivitis with good oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and a diet that is low in sugar. If left untreated, however, the disease can progress to periodontitis. This is more serious, and can lead to plaque spreading below the gum line and causing further damage to the tissues surrounding the teeth.

If you have any of the symptoms of gum disease, it’s best to see your Oak Hill dentist immediately for cleaning and advice. It’s estimated that four out of five patients don’t know that they have gum disease, which is why regular dentist visits are so important. If you have red, swollen gums, bleeding when you brush your teeth, gaps in between your teeth and gums, and bad breath, these are a few telltale signs that it might be time to see a local dentist.