Personal Choice Dental in Old Bridge, NJ, encourages you to keep up with regular dental appointments to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It's important to visit the dentist regularly because you can develop gum disease without having glaring symptoms. Read about gum disease and what to look out for.

Gum disease happens when sticky bacteria called plaque build-up on the teeth. If plaque isn't removed with proper brushing and flossing, it hardens and forms into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and builds upon the gum line. The bacteria in tartar irritates the gums and they start to pull away from the teeth. This allows bigger pockets of bacteria to form. Infection can damage the tissue and bone in the area, and contribute to tooth loss.

Left untreated, gum disease can cause teeth to loosen and lead to tooth loss. To prevent gum disease, your dentist will recommend brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing at least once a day. A great hygiene routine can remove plaque before it becomes tartar and causes gum disease.

Stick to your oral hygiene routine at home, but don't ignore these signs of gum disease. Call your Old Bridge, NJ, dentist and make an appointment if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Gums that are red and swollen
• Gums that bleed easily (when brushing)
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus in between the gums and teeth
• Gums that have pulled away for the teeth
• Loose teeth

If you do have gum disease, your dentist can help with a special cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. Scaling is the precise removal of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth, and root planing reshapes the surfaces of your teeth. This allows healthy gum tissue to grow back around the teeth.

Keep up with biannual cleanings and exams and your oral hygiene routine at home to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If you do notice signs of gum disease, don't wait to contact Personal Choice Dental in Old Bridge, NJ, at (732) 727-1211.