Highland Park, MN Dental Care Discusses Benefits of Mercury-Free Dentistry

Written by Drs. Mark and Rachel Malterud on Sep 11, 2012

A growing number of patients visit our Minneapolis Dentist Office suffering unnecessarily with gum disease. Gum disease (periodontal disease) means that your gums are infected. This can cause the jaw bone to weaken as well as other tissues supporting the teeth.

Research indicates that bacteria and inflammation related to periodontal disease may play a role in overall health issues such as cardiovascular difficulties, bacterial pneumonia, increased likelihood of pre-term delivery of unborn babies, low-birth weight babies and physical health issues for diabetics.

Considering the potential for links between bacteria that causes gum disease and systemic diseases, the prevention of periodontal disease is a crucial step in preserving overall health.  Periodontal disease can, in most cases, be stopped with regular daily oral hygiene and routine professional dental care.

When a film of bacteria (plaque), is permitted to accumulate on teeth, periodontal disease develops. This sticky film of plaque is constantly forming on the teeth, but most plaque can be removed before periodontal disease develops just with proper daily cleaning. Brushing thoroughly twice a day can go a long way towards keeping your gums healthy. Use toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay. Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of the teeth before it can harden into calculus.

You can also help prevent gum disease by cleaning between your teeth thoroughly with floss or other type of interdental cleaner on a daily basis. This type of cleaning regimen is the only way to assist in removing plaque collecting in the spaces between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Your dentist may advise you to use an ADA-accepted antimicrobial mouth rinse as part of your daily oral hygiene routine if you need extra help in keeping your plaque under control.

Contact our St. Paul Highland Park Dentist office today to schedule an appointment for a professional dental cleaning and examination. Gum disease is highly preventable, and an ounce of prevention now will save unnecessary pain and expense in the long-term.