Gum (periodontal) disease is a chronic infection of the tissues that support your teeth caused by the buildup of plaque- the sticky, colorless film that is constantly forming on your teeth. In the early stages, bacteria-rich plaque builds up, irritating the gums. As the disease progresses, the plaque turns into hard tartar that brushing can't remove, and this can cause the tissues to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can trap infection. Without treatment, gum disease will ultimately lead to permanent tooth loss.

The severity of gum disease can range from simple gum inflammation to serious infections that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. But gum disease can impact more than your smile. In fact, the same bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease can impact other important systems in your body as well. Recent studies have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without gum disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Some patients won't show obvious signs of gum disease. That's why it's important to visit Dr. Rouben A. Yedigarian for regular checkups and cleanings. Visit our McLean/Tyson's Corner dental office as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Tender, red, swollen gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Loosening or separating of permanent teeth
• Change in your bite
• Pus between the gums and teeth
• Persistent bad breath

Gum Disease Prevention: Start with the Basics

The good news is that being diligent about your dental health can prevent plaque from forming and even reverse early stages of gum disease.

• Visit Dr. Rouben A. Yedigarian for routine cleanings and checkups. We can remove tartar build up and check for changes in your mouth.
• Brush at least twice a day- morning and before bed- to remove bacteria and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Floss daily to reach areas in between your teeth and along the gumline where harmful plaque accumulates.
• Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients and low in sugary foods and drinks.

Gum disease is a serious oral infection that affects millions of Americans. And while there are several treatments a dentist can perform to treat the problem, it's best to avoid gum disease in the first place by brushing, flossing and visiting Dr. Rouben A. Yedigarian for regular exams and cleanings. Start taking care of your gums now to prevent tooth loss and other serious health problems in the future.

Gingivitis -- an inflammation of the gums -- is the mildest form of periodontal (gum) disease and the easiest to treat. The leading cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup. Plaque is the sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth and gums. When plaque isn't removed with daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis and eventually advancing to the most severe form of gum disease when left untreated. Other factors may contribute to gingivitis as well, including smoking, aging, diabetes, nutrition and pregnancy.
The signs and symptoms of gingivitis are often subtle, and many people have gingivitis without even knowing it. It's important to notify Dr. Rouben A. Yedigarian when you notice the slightest changes in the condition of your gums, including:

• Gums that bleed easily during and after brushing or flossing your teeth
• Swollen, puffy gums
• Change in color of gums from pink to red
• Bad tasting or smelling breath
• Soft, tender gums

Reversing the Symptoms to Save Your Teeth

With professional treatment from your dentist and an improvement in your oral hygiene, gingivitis can easily be reversed since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a serious infection that destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. As the disease progresses, gums begin to recede and the teeth shift and become loose. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Luckily, keeping gums healthy and avoiding gum disease is easy with good oral hygiene and regular checkups with your dentist. You can promote healthy gums and stop gingivitis before it develops by:

• Brush regularly, at least twice a day
• Floss daily
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Rinse with mouthwash after brushing and flossing
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco products
• Visit our McLean/Tyson's Corner office regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups

Gingivitis is a serious condition that can lead to severe forms of gum disease when left untreated. Fortunately, with a dedicated dental health plan and regular visits to Dr. Rouben A. Yedigarian, gingivitis is easy to detect and easy to reverse before it has a chance to advance to periodontitis.

If you've experienced tooth loss as a result of tooth decay, gum disease or injury, it's important to replace the missing teeth to avoid additional problems, including a shift in your remaining teeth, a misaligned bite, and an older, sunken facial appearance. Whether you've lost some or all of your teeth, Dr. Rouben A. Yedigarian can provide removable dentures that can restore your smile, boost your self-esteem and improve your health.

Dentures are a set of replacement teeth for any teeth that are missing. When healthy teeth remain, there are partial dentures, which take the place of only a few teeth and prevent the others from shifting position. If all teeth have been lost, there are complete dentures for replacing an entire set of teeth, which can include upper dentures, lower dentures or both. Both full and partial dentures improve your ability to chew and speak, while supporting facial muscles and enhancing appearance.

Advancements in dental technology are creating dentures that are more comfortable, more durable and better fitting than ever before. At Dr. Rouben A. Yedigarian, we can custom design dentures that not only replace teeth, but ensure the best possible fit, function and comfort for your jaw and bite.

Dentures can help you look better and feel better, but may offer other benefits as well. Dentures can:

• Prevent other teeth from shifting position
• Improve your ability to chew and speak
• Support the muscles in your face

The loss of one tooth or many teeth can be devastating, but it doesn't have to be permanent. The condition and severity of your remaining teeth will determine the type of denture that will best address your needs. Visit our McLean/Tyson's Corner office for an examination, and we'll work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you.

A dental sealant is a clear, plastic coating that is bonded to the vulnerable chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and pre-molars) where decay most often occurs. These protective sealants cover the tooth surface to "seal out" food and plaque, thus reducing the risk of decay.

The probability of developing decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates for dental sealants during their most cavity-prone years. But that doesn't mean adults at risk for tooth decay can't benefit from sealants as well.

At Dr. Rouben A. Yedigarian, sealants can be applied quickly, easily and comfortably without the need for drilling or the removal of tooth structure. The sealant is painted onto the tooth to form a protective shield, and bonds into the pits and grooves of the chewing surfaces, acting as a barrier to protect enamel from harmful plaque. Sealants can last for several years and can be reapplied by our McLean/Tyson's Corner dental office as necessary.

A Healthy Smile Calls for Good Dental Hygiene

Sealants are only one part of preventive dental care and should not replace good oral hygiene. Instead, sealants preserve the teeth, adding additional protection to prevent decay and reducing the likelihood for extensive dental procedures later on. In addition to sealants, a comprehensive dental program should include twice-daily brushing, fluoride, healthy food choices and regular visits to our McLean/Tyson's Corner office.

Even if you brush and floss carefully, it can be very difficult- and even impossible- to remove food and bacteria buildup from the tiny crevices on certain teeth, which puts you at risk for tooth decay. Talk to Dr. Rouben A. Yedigarian about dental sealants at your next appointment. Combined with good dental hygiene, you can feel more confident that your smile is protected from the harmful plaque that causes cavities.

Whether you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, you want a dental solution that will restore your smile as close to your natural teeth as possible. With dental implants, patients can replace missing teeth with permanent implants that look, feel and perform just like natural teeth. No one but you and your dentist will have to know that you received implants, but you'll reap the benefits of a beautiful, natural smile. It's easy to see why implants are becoming the number one option for replacing missing teeth.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. The procedure is a multi-step process that involves placing metal anchors into the bone of the jaw, allowing the anchor and bone to fuse, placing an extension in the anchor, and fixing a prosthetic tooth or crown on the extension.

Benefits of Dental Implants from Dr. Rouben A. Yedigarian:

If you, like millions of adults, have lost one or more teeth, then you understand the unpleasant consequences that accompany tooth loss. Missing teeth result in an older appearance, difficulty eating and speaking, and other health problems like tooth decay and bone deterioration.

Not long ago, dentures were the only restorative dental treatment available for replacing natural teeth, but unlike dental implants, offered no stability or permanence. Since implants are securely attached, you gain confidence to eat what you like, the ability to speak clearly and freedom from embarrassment. Other benefits include:

• Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel just like your own teeth
• Improved Comfort: Implants are securely anchored, so there is no slipping as there is with dentures. This eliminates some of the key inconveniences of dentures, including poor fit, gum irritation, and pain.
• Improved Health: Dental implants can help prevent deterioration of the jawbone caused by loss of teeth, so your face retains its natural shape.
• Durability: Implants are strong and can last a lifetime with proper care.
• Convenience: Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanent, eliminating the inconvenience of removing your dentures. With implants, you can brush and care for your teeth just as you would your natural teeth.

Are you a good candidate for dental implants?

Whether you are missing one tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants may be a viable solution for restoring your natural smile. Patients must have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. The patient must also be committed to good oral hygiene, including exceptional brushing, flossing and regular visits to our McLean/Tyson's Corner office.

Whether your tooth loss is caused by decay, years of wear and tear or serious trauma, dental implants can help you get your smile back. No other restorative procedure replaces the entire missing tooth and preserves bone like dental implants. If you're missing teeth, don't compromise your health and quality of life any longer. Visit Dr. Rouben A. Yedigarian and find out if dental implants are a good fit for you.