Prevent gum disease with routine visits to your Farmington Hills MI dentist

By Dr. Richard Bernstein

Prevent Gum Disease in Farmington Hills Area

Understanding the symptoms of gum disease can play an important role in preventing this common condition; however, this approach has its limitations. To effectively prevent gum disease, your Farmington Hills, MI dentist recommends a combination of routine check-ups and cleanings at the office of Richard S. Bernstein DDS, as well as consistent and careful oral hygiene at home.

Why routine visits matter

Yes, you can have a beautiful smile and have no pain whatsoever and still have active gum disease. Often, the symptoms of the disease don’t present themselves until the condition has progressed, possibly to the point of causing irreversible damage. For this reason, Dr. Bernstein recommends oral examinations and professional cleanings at his office at least every six months. That way, he can identify problems such as early-stage inflammation or gingivitis when they’re easier to treat – and when the disease can be stopped, and the damage can be reversed.

He may recommend more frequent cleanings and exams if you are at an increased risk of developing periodontal disease. Risk factors include:

Smoking, chewing tobacco, and vaping
Inconsistent or inadequate oral hygiene
Emotional distress
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
Heart disease, diabetes, and other comorbidities that affect the immune system
Family history, if a biological parent has gum disease
Medications that suppress saliva production and promote bacterial overgrowth

During these routine visits, Richard S. Bernstein DDS also instructs on how to brush and floss properly, and otherwise take care of your teeth and gums. While it may seem straightforward, many patients use the wrong technique, or they don’t brush or floss long enough or as consistently as they should; for instance, flossing removes bacteria from surfaces of the teeth and tight spaces between teeth that can’t be cleaned with brushing alone. He’ll also discuss what to watch for, as potential signs of gum disease.

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If gingivitis is symptomatic, this early stage of the disease is frequently characterized by gums that appear pinker or redder than normal, and blood on the bristles of your toothbrush or pieces of floss when you clean your teeth and gums. Your gums may also feel tender. By the time gingivitis has progressed to its more advanced stage, periodontitis, symptoms are much more noticeable – and include wider spaces between teeth, and gums that pull away from the teeth, giving your smile a “long in the tooth” appearance.

Don’t wait for symptoms to present themselves! By that time, you may have irreversible bone loss. Call 248.636.2100 to schedule your check-up with Dr. Bernstein at the Farmington Hills, MI office.

Richard S. Bernstein D.D.S

Connect with Dr. Richard Bernstein on Linkedin

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Bernstein is a renowned cosmetic dentist and is passionate about providing the best for his patients, making him a respected pillar of trust amongst his community. He possesses a Masters in Biochemistry - WSU School of Medicine, and a Doctorate in Dental Surgery - University of Detroit.He is presently a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, and a Diplomate in the American Board of Aesthetic Dentistry (ABAD) to name a few.