Did you know routine preventive teeth cleanings and checkups every six months are among the best ways to protect your smile, dental health, and general well-being?
It’s true! Protecting your dental health has never been more critical, mainly because we now have an even better understanding of how periodontal health and overall health are related.
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gum tissue and bone that support teeth. It is caused by plaque and bacteria buildup surrounding the teeth and reaching below the gumline. Without treatment, the infection will eventually destroy the teeth's support system.
A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, goes below the gumline to remove the plaque and tartar buildup causing your infection. This is one way we treat gum disease.
Dr. Hareid may also recommend antibiotic therapy and even surgery in advanced cases (periodontitis)
Patients suffering from gingivitis may be able to manage their condition with improved home care and professional teeth cleaning.
Gum disease is hard to spot on your own because it doesn't cause a lot of pain at first. But if you're suffering from gingivitis, you may notice bleeding during brushing and flossing, red or swollen gums, or chronic bad breath you can't eliminate.
If your gum disease has advanced to periodontitis, you may experience pain when biting or chewing, tooth mobility, and receding gums.
Fox Valley Dental Center offers periodontal treatment in Appleton to help patients manage their gum disease. Contact our team at (920) 731-7717 for more information.
Gum disease is a serious oral health issue that can affect whole-body wellness, which is why we emphasize prevention.
Early warning signs of gum disease include:
You don’t have to notice every symptom for a gum disease diagnosis, so contact our dental office if you notice any oral health changes that don’t improve.
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which is curable in most cases. If you allow gingivitis to progress to periodontitis, it is only treatable. However, treatment is crucial to prevent the associated risks, which include:
Gum disease treatment may include laser dentistry, deep cleanings, an at-home oral hygiene regimen, and other topical antibiotic treatments.
You can lower your risk of gum disease by visiting the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings, quitting tobacco, and practicing excellent oral hygiene.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation with the dentist, call us today at (920) 731-7717. We also encourage you to ask about our exclusive savings plan.
Gum disease is an infection of the bone and soft tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. Like a foundation for a home, your gums and bone are the foundation for your roots and teeth.
If your gums are not healthy, your teeth are at risk. Gum disease is actually the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults.
The good news is that gum disease is highly preventable, and your Appleton, WI, dentist can help you protect your smile.
Dr. Katie Hareid has a passion for people! She says, "As a dentist, I get to see my patients pretty regularly, so I get to know them. I enjoy being able to 'catch up' with them and hear how things are going in their lives."
She is passionate about being a cosmetic dentist, enjoying the mix of science and art that dentistry requires. She combines her skills with her creativity to deliver smiles that patients can be proud of and feel good about.
Dr. Hareid graduated from Northern Arizona University with a ...
Why are gum infections and tooth loss critical to your health and well-being? Because the bacteria that causes gum disease has been closely linked with several non-dental systemic health concerns:
We understand that bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to different areas of the body, contributing to the inflammation causing these concerns. That means that if you suffer from gum disease, your risk of developing these other health concerns increases, and vice versa.
You’re most at risk for gum disease if you don’t see your dentist regularly and ignore your oral hygiene. Of course, there are other risk factors, including:
Understanding the early warning signs of gum disease is the first step in protecting your long-term oral health. While symptoms like redness or bleeding are key indicators, it is equally important to understand the underlying gum disease risk factors explained below.
Diabetes, especially uncontrolled, puts ...
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be challenging to detect on your own because there’s not much pain associated with it at first. Some signs of gingivitis to be aware of are:
If you notice these signs and act upon them quickly by scheduling a teeth cleaning and checkup with your team at Fox Valley Dental Center, we can often help you manage or even reverse your condition with a thorough teeth cleaning and some enhancements to your home care.
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) is when the damage occurs, and unfortunately, there is no cure for this stage. If you suffer from periodontitis, Dr. Hareid may recommend a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline, antibiotic therapy, or gum surgery for severe cases.
We can help you manage your condition with additional teeth cleanings throughout the year to keep the gum disease under control. Dr. Hareid will recommend the right hygiene schedule and periodontal treatment for your needs.
The diode laser for dentistry is a precise, semiconductor tool that emits light in the near-infrared spectrum. It works by targeting pigmented soft tissue, delivering focused energy via a fiber optic cable to cut, vaporize, and sterilize the treatment area simultaneously. This mechanism ensures bloodless incisions, reduced pain, and faster healing. The diode laser is highly versatile, commonly used for procedures like gingivectomy, periodontal decontamination, and aesthetic gum recontouring. It's an essential, minimally invasive technology for any modern dental practice.
Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain optimal dental health. If it’s time for your next teeth cleaning and checkup, even if it’s been a while since your last dental visit, we’ll help you get your smile on track.
We’re also well-equipped to help with periodontal treatment in Appleton. Contact us at (920) 731-7717 to book an exam with Dr. Hareid.
Don't let lack of insurance stop you. Reach out to learn more about our affordable annual membership program and access quality care today.