Gum Disease

If My Gums Bleed, Should I Stop Flossing?

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Categories: Dental health, Gum Disease, Oral Health

bleeding gums Cincinnati

If your gums bleed when you floss your teeth, should you drop flossing from your dental health routine? We’re asked about this from time to time at Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati.

Our answer is short and sweet: “No!”

Bleeding is probably a sign that you need to clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly—not leave them alone. It is all but impossible to clean effectively between teeth without using floss or an interdental brush.

If you have never made flossing a habit, your gums might bleed the first few times you do it. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding usually stops within a week or two.

Gum disease is extremely common, and is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Healthy teeth and gums are essential for good dental health.

At Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati we want all our patients to brush and floss twice a day, and see us for regular checkups. We treat patients from Blue Ash, Loveland, Montgomery OH and elsewhere for gum disease, and offer complete family dentistry. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:

513-791-8880

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

 

ArticleID 6969

5 Critical Things To Know About Periodontal Disease

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Categories: Dental health, Family Dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral Health

gum disease exam Cincinnati

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, periodontal disease is preventable. This condition is so widespread in the US that it has been called a ‘health crisis’ by the ADA. Fortunately, periodontal disease can be treated at Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati.

  1. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss.
  2. Practicing daily dental hygiene and having 6-month dental exams are the best way to prevent periodontal disease.
  3. Periodontal disease can occur without the presence of cavities.
  4. Almost half of all 30+ adults in the US have periodontal disease.
  5. In some cases, periodontal disease produces no noticeable symptoms.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include tobacco use, inadequate oral hygiene (especially failing to floss), genetics, teeth grinding, inflammatory conditions, and poor nutrition.

The best way to keep gum disease at bay is with daily brushing and flossing, and regular checkups at Endres Gateway Dentistry. We offer complete family dentistry services. Patients come to us from Blue Ash, Loveland, Montgomery OH, and throughout the area. Call for an appointment today!

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:

513-791-8880

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

 

ArticleID 7464

Danger Zone! 5 Signs Of Gum Disease

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Categories: Dental health, Gum Disease, Oral Health

dental payment plans Montgomery

Here is some critical news for anyone who cares about their dental health: gum disease is a main cause of tooth loss among adults. There is also evidence that it is associated with heart disease. Fortunately, this problem is easy to treat at Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati, if we find it in the early stages.

What warning signs should you be looking for?

  1. Gums that bleed often
  2. Gums that appear tender, swollen, or very red, or gums that have visible pus in between them when they are pushed
  3. Your bite changes or your teeth suddenly don’t seem to fit together
  4. Gums that are loosening from the teeth
  5. A bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath

We hope you are not suffering from any of these symptoms. If you are not removing plaque between your teeth, however, your gums are at risk. Brushing alone is not adequate—make sure you floss daily.

Regular dental check-ups is another important weapon in the fight against gum disease.

At Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati, we take pride in caring for our patients and want them to have a healthy and pleasing smile. We provide gum disease treatment and many other services, including family dentistry. Make an appointment with us today.

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:

513-791-8880

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

 

ArticleID 4960

Preventing Gum Disease At Endres Gateway Dentistry

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Categories: Dental health, Gum Disease, Oral Health

Preventing Gum Disease at Endres Gateway DentistryAt Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati, the dental health of our patients is our top priority. We provide thorough cleanings and checkups and are always looking for signs of serious conditions like gum disease.

Run your tongue along the gumline behind your lower front teeth. Do you feel a ridge? This is probably tartar or dental calculus.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can gradually accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a ‘pocket’. This creates a new space for plaque and tartar to grow. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.

Our goal is to help our patients prevent gum disease before any damage occurs. Cleanings include root planing and periodontal scaling. Scaling removes the plaque and calculus above and, especially, below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Planing smoothes root surfaces so it is more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate and grow. It also creates a healthy surface for the gums to reattach to the root if necessary.

At Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati, we provide gum disease treatment, as well as family dentistry and other services. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:

513-791-8880

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

 

ArticleID 750

Gum Disease And Tooth Loss

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Categories: Dental health, Gum Disease, Oral Health

treatment for bleeding gums Montgomery

Do you know that the most prevalent cause of tooth loss among adults is gum disease? The good news is that effective gum disease treatment is available at Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati.

Regular check-ups are critical, but there are warning signs for gum disease that everyone should be looking for.

1. Gums that bleed often

2. Gums that are tender, swollen, or very red, or gums that have visible pus in between them when they are pushed

3. A bite that changes suddenly so that your teeth don’t seem to fit together correctly

4. Loose gums

5. A bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath

6. Loose or separating teeth

If you are experiencing these symptoms, call us for an appointment right away. Since plaque causes gum disease, removing plaque through regular flossing is the key to healthy gums.

Gum disease treatment is only one of the services offered at Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati. We also offer cosmetic and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:

513-791-8880

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

 

ArticleID 6724

Preventable: Gum Disease in Cincinnati

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Family Dentistry, Gum Disease

Gum disease is one hundred percent preventable. It isn’t nearly as common as it once was, yet one of every ten American adults is likely to get some form of gum disease by the time they’re sixty-four years old. At Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati, we provide treatment for gum disease.

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, and is associated with serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease. So brush and floss your teeth every day – twice a day, in fact. If you don’t, your chances of getting gum disease increase.

In addition to age, other risk factors for gum disease include tobacco use. Health experts say that tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for getting gum disease. If you don’t smoke, don’t start, and if you do smoke (or chew), quit.

It appears some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease. Even when they take great care of their teeth, such people may still be more likely to get it. If you think it runs in your family, don’t despair. A genetic test can confirm it, even if you aren’t showing any signs. Getting early intervention treatment may help.

Stress, too, is another risk factor for gum disease. Stress may make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.

Poor nutrition and teeth grinding or clenching can also put you at greater risk of developing gum disease.

Finally, certain medications can affect your oral health and make you more prone to gum disease. These include some oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and heart medications. If you have any concerns, ask us at your next appointment.

If you are showing any signs at all of gum disease, such as bleeding when you brush your teeth, let us know. We provide effective gum disease treatment. Other services from Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:

513-791-8880

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

Diabetes and Gum Disease in Cincinnati

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, Gum Disease, Veneers

gum disease increases diabetes risk Cincinnati

At Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati, we believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (thank you, Benjamin Franklin!). We are very big on prevention – and not only when it comes to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues.

We are also concerned with how the condition of your mouth impacts your complete physical health and general well-being.

Scientists have known for quite some time that people with diabetes have higher rates of gum disease. Maintaining proper blood glucose levels is the key to minimizing the risk of gum disease and related issues for those affected.

Additional research is exploring whether the reverse is also true – whether poor oral health increases the risk of developing diabetes. A long-term study suggests that it does.

“We found that over two decades of follow-up, individuals who had periodontal disease were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life when compared to individuals without periodontal disease.” -Ryan T. Demmer, PhD, MPH1

Additional trials are exploring how tooth and gum health impacts the ability of diabetics to manage the disease.

“Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.”2

If you have diabetes, it is essential that you see a dentist regularly and are committed to daily oral hygiene, proper nutrition, and other important practices. Moreover, your success in controlling your blood glucose levels will improve your oral health and vice-versa.

If you don’t have a dentist and live in the greater Cincinnati area, call Endres Gateway Dentistry. We’ll carry out a thorough examination and ay hygienist will treat your teeth and gums to a professional dental cleaning. Then we will create a helpful plan for improving and maintaining your dental health for life.

1Angelo Milone, “Does periodontal disease cause type 2 diabetes?,” Endocrine Today, November 2008, http://www.healio.com/endocrinology/diabetes/news/print/endocrine-today/%7Bacdccbd7-a2b2-4a9e-ac08-b29b53116908%7D/does-periodontal-disease-cause-type-2-diabetes, accessed August 12, 2015
2“Diabetes and Oral Health Problems,” American Diabetes Association, September 18, 2012, http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/oral-health-and-hygiene/diabetes-and-oral-health.html#sthash.9IlHJB8l.dpuf, accessed August 12, 2015

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:

513-791-8880

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

 

How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

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Categories: Gum Disease

gum disease treatment Cincinnati

1. Which of the items below are risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis)?

a. Pregnancy
b. Malocclusion
c. Diabetes
d. Genetic make-up

2. Which of the following are possible signs of gum disease?

a. Teeth that appear longer
b. A change in the way dentures fit
c. Bad breath
d. Tender gums

3. Which of the things listed below are possible health issues linked to untreated gum disease?

a. Asthma
b. Low birth weight babies
c. Parkinson’s disease
d. Stroke

4. What percentage of individuals age 65+ have gum disease?

a. 5%
b. 12%
c. 25%
d. 50%

5. Which of the following treatments are used for gum disease?

a. Scaling and root planing
b. Gum grafts
c. Flap surgery
d. Flip surgery

Answers
1. All of the above. Pregnancy, menopause, or any other condition that causes hormonal changes is a risk factor as is any type of malocclusion.
2. All of the above. Note: some patients don’t see any symptoms.
3. a,b,d.
4. c.
5. a,b,c.

Hi, I’m Doctor Endres of Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati. Gum disease usually responds favorably to treatment—especially if caught early. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, or have been noticing problems with your gums or teeth, I invite you to call 513-791-8880 today to schedule an appointment.

Sources:
John Donavan, “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Teeth,” WebMD, December 15, 2015, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-your-teeth#3, accessed March 20, 2017
“Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments,” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm, accessed March 20, 2017
“Diseases and Conditions Periodontitis,” Mayo Clinic, February 4, 2014, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/basics/risk-factors/con-20021679, accessed March 20, 2017

 

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:

513-791-8880

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242