At Stanley Hometown Dentistry LLC in Stanley, Wisconsin, we seek to help our patients create and maintain healthy smiles. This, of course, begins with healthy teeth and gums. Although you generally only notice your teeth when you smile in the mirror, your gums are just as vital to your smile! Especially since one of the primary factors in adult tooth loss is gum disease also known as periodontal disease.

Since gum disease is often painless, it can go unnoticed unless you are keeping up with regular dental checkups and cleanings. This is crucial because regular professional dental cleanings remove hardened plaque, the sticky, bacterial film forming every day on your teeth. To remove plaque, you must brush and floss daily around your teeth and gumline. This daily removal is important because it helps prevent plaque from hardening into tartar. Once plaque turns into tartar, it will require professional removal by Dr. James Gunelson. So what should you be looking for when it comes to your gums?

Signs of Gum Disease:

• Swollen or red, tender gums
• Bleeding gums
• Loose teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums

Thankfully, treating periodontal disease is easy in the early stages and is often reversible. In this stage, periodontal treatment usually includes stepping up your daily brushing and flossing routine followed by a professional dental cleaning. However, if you have advanced gum disease, treatment may involve additional professional dental cleanings, improved at-home oral hygiene, antibiotic treatment, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings), or gum surgery.

If you want to keep your smile in tip-top condition, be sure to take good care of both your teeth and gums daily. To assist you in reaching your smile goals, you can schedule your next dental cleaning by calling 715-644-3601 today. At Stanley Hometown Dentistry LLC in Stanley, Wisconsin, Dr. James Gunelson and our team are ready to help restore your healthy smile.