New Patients: (703) 997-1928
Current Patients: (703) 490-5888
Woodbridge, VA
New Patients: (703) 997-1928
Current Patients: (703) 490-5888
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New Patients: (703) 997-1928
Current Patients: (703) 490-5888
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How Can You Tell If Someone Has Gum Disease?

Bad Breath, Gum Disease, Oral Health

Gum disease is one of the many oral health conditions that can affect other parts of the body. It’s a potentially serious infection that can lead to anything from tooth loss to cardiovascular diseases. Gum disease can’t be reversed by your dentist in Woodbridge in its more advanced stages, so it’s important to know the most common signs and symptoms so you can seek treatment early.

Bleeding Gums

A very common early-warning sign that gum disease may be brewing is if you notice blood while brushing or flossing your teeth. It’s a myth that bleeding gums are normal, and in fact, it’s usually a sign that there may be trouble. Signs of bleeding gums should be mentioned to your dentist in Woodbridge sooner rather than later for early intervention. 

Red & Swollen Gums

Another typical symptom of gum disease is red, swollen gums. While this can be apparent in the earliest stages of gum disease, it can also indicate that gum disease has progressed. Swollen or red gums may also be painful, but not always. Don’t ignore puffy gums or you may just be allowing gum disease to become severe and irreversible.

Sensitivity

While some people do have sensitive teeth and experience pain or discomfort when enjoying hot or cold food, it could also be a sign of gum disease. One sign of gum disease is gum recession, which is when the gum tissue starts to pull back from the teeth, exposing the sensitive nerves. Any new sensitivity should be talked about with your dentist.

Chronic Bad Breath

Periodic bouts of bad breath are usually normal and nothing to worry about, but bad breath that lasts and doesn’t go away no matter how hard you try could also be a symptom of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria, and the bacteria release a stinky byproduct, causing bad breath. 

Levels of Gum Disease

There are varying levels of gum disease, with the symptoms and life-long risks increasing along with each stage. 

  • Gingivitis – The most common stage of gum disease and can be reversed
  • Stage 1 Periodontitis – Can’t be reversed, minor damage to the connective tissue between the teeth and the bone
  • Stage 2 Periodontitis – More noticeable, severe damage in the tooth and bone
  • Stage 3 Periodontitis – May require surgery, some tooth loss is likely
  • Stage 4 Periodontitis – Several missing with a likelihood of losing more

The best ways to protect your gums, teeth, and overall health from the risks of gum disease are to do everything you can to avoid it in the first place. Make sure you brush and floss daily, don’t use tobacco products, and see your dentist in Woodbridge every six months for preventive dental checkups. 

Caution tape warning sign

Gum Disease Linked to Colon Cancer: Know Your Risk

general dentistry, Gum Disease, Oral Health, preventive dental care

An updated study conducted by the American Academy for Cancer Research of nearly 43,000 people over several years has shown a potential positive correlation between gum disease and an increased risk of colon cancer. While the whole-body complications associated with gum disease, such as heart disease, aren’t new, the link to colon cancer is a relatively recent topic of interest to researchers and your dentist in Woodbridge.

The Link Between Gum Disease & Colon Cancer

The study that examined the potential link between gum disease and colon cancer took several things into consideration – health, lifestyle, and pathology reports from routine colonoscopies. Those pathology results showed something interesting about those participants who had serrated polyps and conventional adenomas, the two types of intestinal lesions that can cause colon cancer, and who also had a history of gum disease.

Patients with a history of gum disease had:

  • A 17% increased risk of having a serrated polyp
  • An 11% increased risk of having a conventional adenoma

But that’s not all.

Patients who had lost four or more teeth, which is a very common side effect of gum disease, had a 20% increased risk of having a serrated polyp.

While this research does suggest a correlation between gum disease and colon cancer, the scientists did state that more research is needed to fully understand how oral health can affect gut health.

Signs of Gum Disease

If caught early, gum disease can be reversed and the risk of other oral health and overall health complications decreases. However, untreated gum disease will eventually reach a point where it can no longer be cured. This greatly increases the likelihood that gum disease will lead to tooth loss and cause other problems throughout the body. This is why your dentist in Woodbridge encourages all patients to know the early warning signs of gum disease so you can seek treatment sooner rather than later.

Some of the most common signs of gum disease include:

  • Chronic bad breath
  • Swollen, red gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Gum recession

4 Ways to Protect Against Gum Disease

Gum disease can be caused by any number of things, but there are some habits that can substantially increase someone’s chances of getting it. The best ways to protect yourself against gum disease are to:

Brush your teeth twice a day

Floss daily

Quit smoking or using tobacco products

See your dentist in Woodbridge at least every six months

If you suspect that you may have gum disease, we recommend scheduling a dental appointment as soon as you can. After all, early treatment is key to protecting your teeth and your body.

How does a dental hygienist deep clean your teeth?

Gum Disease

istock 1034931478Dental professionals have access to specialized tools and techniques that allow them to successfully and thoroughly clean the teeth and gums during a patient’s routine evaluations. This is why it is important that patients see their dentist regularly, even if they brush and floss each day without fail. Sometimes, patients may need to have a deep cleaning performed, especially if it has been a while since they’ve visited the dentist or if they have certain conditions that have developed such as gum disease. Traditional deep cleanings and periodontal cleanings are two different types of treatments available with Dr. Joseph Cavallo of Woodbridge, VA.

Periodontal cleanings vs. regular deep cleanings

  • Regular deep cleanings – regular deep cleanings are performed every six months during a routine dental examination. The dental hygienist uses tools to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and gums. During the cleaning, the hygienist can look for any unusual signs of problems such as periodontal disease or tooth decay and bring them to the attention of Dr. Joseph Cavallo during his physical evaluation. These cleanings may be done in conjunction with x-rays to monitor overall oral health and wellness.
  • Periodontal cleaning – patients who have been diagnosed with conditions such as periodontal disease will need a much deeper cleaning than those who have not. These cleanings, sometimes referred to as “scaling and root planing,” help in cleaning the teeth more thoroughly, such as the roots of the teeth. This is a more invasive cleaning, but needs to be done to return the smile to its original health and wellness quickly and easily. These cleanings are often done in conjunction with antibiotic therapy to control the infection and help heal the smile and restore its health.

Schedule your time with Dr. Joseph Cavallo today

Woodbridge, VA area patients who are in need of a deep cleaning of the teeth are welcome to book their first appointment and examination with our team of professionals. Call (703) 490-5888 to request a visit at our facility, located at 12502-A Lake Ridge Drive. We are open to new and established patients and families in the community and surrounding areas who are interested in the best care in the area.

Why it’s important to brush your tongue when you brush your teeth

general dentistry, Gum Disease

istock 1152179371 1Brushing the teeth and gums each day will ensure a healthy smile, but are you aware that the tongue should also receive special care? The tongue in the mouth has a rough surface that can be the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and grow. This bacteria can spread and contribute to the potential for periodontal disease and tooth decay. Also, this bacteria on the tongue can cause patients to experience halitosis, or chronic bad breath. At the practice of Dr. Joseph Cavallo, patients will learn the importance of brushing the tongue with the teeth and gums!

Why should I brush my tongue?

Brushing the tongue is an effective way to remove sugars, acids, and food debris that may stick to the tongue due to its rough surface. It should be brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Patients  should start on the back of the tongue and work their way forward, ensuring they get the sides of the tongue as well.

How often should I brush my tongue?

Another question patients ask about brushing the tongue is how often it should be done. Our team recommends brushing the tongue every time you brush and floss your teeth. It should become part of one’s oral health routine between dental visits. Patients who brush their tongue and still deal with problems such as halitosis may want to ask their dentist about the use of specialized mouthwashes or the use of tongue scrapers. These are tools that may help reduce bad breath while keeping the smile healthy.

What if I still deal with halitosis?

Patients with chronic bad breath may have another underlying condition that requires further evaluation. If you struggle with halitosis even after brushing your tongue and improving your oral hygiene routine, talk to your dentist about alternative solutions.

Call Dr. Joseph Cavallo today!

Woodbridge, VA area patients who are interested in learning more about ways of caring for the smile are welcome to call the practice of Dr. Joseph Cavallo to request a consultation appointment. The practice is located at 12502-A Lake Ridge Drive and can be reached by calling (703) 490-5888. Our facility is always accepting new patients into the facility for comprehensive dental care.

What should I do about bleeding gums?

Gum Disease

Joseph P. Cavallo DDS, MAGDTaking care of the smile is critical to maintaining good oral health. However, when patients are not brushing and flossing as expected, they are putting their smile at risk of developing a wide range of problems. One of those is bleeding gums. Bleeding gums may be an indication of an infection called periodontal disease. It requires immediate evaluation and diagnosis to effective treat.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a condition that can cause irreversible damage to the teeth, gum tissues, and bone. It is often referred to as gum disease, as the first symptoms often begin in the soft tissues of the mouth. Bleeding gums is just one of the early signs. Other symptoms include:

  • Red, swollen gum tissues
  • Sore gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pockets between gums and teeth
  • Loose teeth

When these symptoms appear, patients should request an appointment with Dr. Joseph Cavallo of Woodbridge, VA for a comprehensive examination. If the condition is present, action can be taken to bring the smile back to health and address the problems that are related to the condition as soon as possible.

What will a dentist do once periodontal disease has been diagnosed?

After a proper diagnosis, patients will want to work with their dentist to determine the best course of action for treatment. The earlier stages of periodontal disease often require a deep cleaning by our dental hygienists. Later stages often require more aggressive treatment, including a procedure called scaling and root planing. This is a thorough cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and calculus from the surfaces of the teeth and applies antibiotics to address the actual infection.

Can periodontal disease be cured?

Periodontal disease is an avoidable condition. However, if it develops, it cannot be cured—only controlled. Because of this, our dental team strongly urges patients to take good care of their teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and dental examinations.

If you are dealing with bleeding gums, it is time to make a dental appointment today!

Call Dr. Joseph Cavallo and his team in Woodbridge, IA to discuss your oral health and address concerns as they arise. His office is conveniently located at 12502-A Lake Ridge Drive in Woodbridge, VA and can be reached by calling (703) 490-5888.

improve your gum health woodbridge va dentist

How To Improve Your Gum Health

Gum Disease

When it comes to taking care of your smile, it is important to not forget about your gums. Just because you take good care of your teeth and you have a bright smile, that does not mean that you have healthy gums. Gum disease can develop at any age, so it is essential to take the proper steps to improve your gum health and reduce your risk of gum disease. In this post, we will discuss some of the best ways to achieve healthier gums.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an oral health condition that begins when plaque develops in the areas above and below the gum line. This sticky substance is full of bacteria that can cause an infection to spread in the gum tissue and the bone structure surrounding the teeth.

The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis can lead to a host of symptoms, including:

  • swollen gums
  • bleeding gums
  • tender or inflamed gums
  • red, puffy gums

However, if gingivitis is not addressed, it can lead to a more advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis can affect the health of the bones that are supporting the teeth. Also, it can cause damage to the gums and connective tissues in the mouth, which can lead to shifting teeth, tooth loss, and difficulty chewing.

Gum disease is preventable with proper care and daily maintenance. Try to follow these key tips to maintain healthy gums.

1. Floss Your Teeth

Try to floss at least once a day. Flossing helps remove plaque and debris from between the teeth. While brushing can be a great way to keep the teeth clean, floss can reach the places in the mouth that your toothbrush can not reach.

2. Receive Routine Dental Cleanings

A professional dental cleaning can help remove tartar. Tartar develops when plaque is not properly removed, and it can only be removed by a dental professional. Dental cleanings are typically performed in conjunction with your routine dental exam, which is designed to identify any signs of complex dental problems, including gingivitis and late-stage gum disease.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking can be a contributing factor to gum disease. Tobacco use can affect your body’s ability to fight off infection and heal. So patients who smoke have a harder time fighting off gum disease and healing from it. Try finding ways to quit smoking. If you are having a difficult time, be sure to speak with a medical professional.

Schedule A Gum Disease Screening in Woodbridge, VA

Have you visited the dentist recently? You may want to schedule a gum disease screening with Woodbridge, VA dentist Dr. Joseph P. Cavallo. To schedule your appointment, call [new_patient_phone_span], or request an appointment online.

gum disease prevention woodbridge va

Gum Disease Prevention

Gum Disease

gum disease prevention woodbridge va Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. Maintaining healthy gums can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is defined as a bacterial infection of the gums.  If periodontal disease is left untreated, patients may experience bone loss, missing teeth, and other complex dental concerns.

Dr. Joseph Cavallo, a Woodbridge dentist, offers a full range of preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, and periodontal therapy services to address various stage of periodontal disease. If you have developed periodontal disease, Dr. Cavallo can work with you to restore health and function to your smile.

Improve Your Gum Health

  • Visit the dentist for routine dental exams and screenings. Dr. Cavallo recommends that patients visit our Woodbridge, VA dental office at least twice a year for their preventive care exam. During your preventive care exam, Dr. Cavallo will fully asses your oral health and examine your teeth and gums for any signs of complex dental issues. In some cases, patients do not realize they have developed gum disease until they visit the dentist. Dr. Cavallo can work with you to create a treatment plan based on your personal needs.
  • Don’t forget to floss. Flossing is a quick, effective way to remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth. Flossing should be performed daily for patients to reap the benefits. If you are not sure how to floss or what type of floss to use, please inform Dr. Cavallo during your next visit. Dr. Cavallo or one of our highly trained hygienist can work with you to help you make informed decisions regarding your oral health.
  • Consider quitting smoking and tobacco use. Patients who smoke are at an increased risk of developing gum disease. Patients who smoke are also more prone to developing tooth decay and infections due to poor oral hygiene. Quitting smoking can improve your health and reduce your risk of developing certain types of complex dental issues.

Visit Our Woodbridge, VA dental office

Dr. Cavallo is committed to providing advanced, high-quality dental care to each of our patients. Maintaining healthy gums is an integral part of achieving oral health success. If you would like to find ways to improve your oral health, visit our Woodbridge dental office. To schedule a routine dental exam, call us at 703.493.1203 or request an appointment online.

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