Gum Care and Gum Disease

A healthy lifestyle, regular brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist for cleanings are the best way to keep your gums healthy and to avoid gum disease.

Factors that contribute to gum disease include smoking or chewing tobacco, certain medications, defective fillings, crooked teeth and systemic diseases.

Warning signs of gum disease are:

• Gums that bleed during tooth brushing
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures

There are two main stages of gum, or periodontal disease. The first is gingivitis, which is the milder form and easily reversible by regular flossing and routine professional cleaning. The second is periodontitis, which is a more serious, destructive form of gum disease diagnosed by the recession of gums and supporting bone away from the teeth. This is not always visible to the patient.

Dr. Rossetti checks your gums for gum disease (periodontal disease). Gum disease causes pockets to form from the receding bone and gums which fill with bacteria. We treat mild gum disease with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). Dr. Rossetti employs a special diode laser to kill the bacteria safely and painlessly. The laser can also be used to stop gum bleeding and to reshape the gums.

Call 804-747-0090 to schedule a personal consultation or click here to
request an appointment online.