Good oral health including professional dental cleanings is essential for maintaining total health. Your dental cleaning will include screening for and preventing gum disease. During your hygiene appointment your dentist or hygienist will check for oral cancer. Oral cancer is very curable if diagnosed early although one person dies from oral cancer every hour in the United States according to The Oral Cancer Foundation.

What is gum disease?
Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even some cancers. Gum disease is an infection in the gum and bone around your teeth and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.

How do I know if I have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, you may notice blood on your toothbrush or floss or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Often there are no symptoms at all, so a screening at your dental cleaning is the only way to diagnose gum disease.

Many people suffer with persistent bad breath and usually a dental problem is to blame. A cleaning and checkup can help identify the underlying cause. It's best to identify any problems with your gums or teeth early before the treatment becomes more involved.

What causes gum disease?
All gum disease is caused by accumulation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day by brushing and flossing.

What happens if gum disease is not treated?
Unfortunately gum disease progresses painlessly so that you do not notice the damage it is doing. Over time the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can become more difficult, expensive and tooth loss can occur.

Your dental hygienist will remove plaque, tartar and stains giving you a healthier and brighter smile.

Bonham Dental Arts • 12720 Ulmerton Rd • Largo, Florida 33774-3601 • 727-493-4018