Your Islip Dentist Can Help You Avoid Tooth Loss

Want to keep your teeth for a while—like for your entire life? Then take care of your gums. Research shows that more 75 percent of American adults over the age of 35 have some degree of gum disease, either gingivitis—the early stage—or periodontitis, the later stage. And gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Fortunately, there is a way for you to both avoid and treat gum disease: brush and floss your teeth every day and see Dr. Rosenfeld at East Islip Dental Care for regular checkups and for periodontal therapy if necessary.

How does gum disease lead to tooth loss? Your mouth is teeming with millions of bacteria, some good and some bad. Harmful bacteria become trapped in plaque, that sticky and colorless film that coats your mouth every day. If not removed daily with brushing and flossing, plaque builds up and the bacteria there can attack your teeth and gums. If this bacterial infection is not treated, then toxins from the bacteria begin to destroy connective tissue and bone, which can ultimately lead to loose teeth that need to be extracted.

See the Dentist in Islip for Healthy Teeth and Gums

The good news is that together you and Dr. Rosenfeld can prevent gum disease. The importance of regular oral hygiene at home cannot be overstated. And not just brushing—flossing is critically important, because plaque builds up between your teeth as well as on the surface. Brushing and flossing at home combined with checkups at East Islip Dental Care every six months are your best defense against developing gum disease.

If you have gum disease, then we offer periodontal therapy. Although gum disease is not curable, we can often stop the advance and reverse the effects of this infection. We perform scaling to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the below the gum line and root planing to smooth rough spots on the roots where bacteria is more likely to stick. In addition, we can apply a topical antibiotic to treat infection and perform laser therapy to eliminate bacteria and encourage gums to reattach to your teeth. If surgical treatment is necessary, then Dr. Rosenfeld will refer you to a skilled periodontist in the area.

Call Our Office Today

Don’t play around with gum disease—the consequences could alter your smile and your life. Schedule a checkup today with Dr. Rosenfeld at East Islip Dental Care. Our dental practice in East Islip, NY, serves all of Long Island including Sayville, Oakdale, Islip Terrace, Bohemia, Bay Shore and beyond.