Welcome to Mark D. Berard, DDS, PC, Online! Our goal is to help our patients create and maintain healthy, happy smiles. This begins with healthy teeth and gums. Most patients focus on their pearly whites as that is what stands out when looking in the mirror. But since one of the primary factors in adult tooth loss is gum disease, it’s a good idea to stay focused on both.
Because gum disease is often painless, it can go unnoticed unless you are keeping up with regular dental checkups and cleanings. This is also vital because dental cleanings remove hardened plaque. Plaque is the sticky, bacterial film which forms every day in the mouth. To remove plaque, you must brush and floss your teeth daily and around the gumline. This daily removal process prevents plaque from hardening into tartar which requires professional removal by Dr. Mark Berard and our team once it has hardened.
Signs of Gum Disease:
- Swollen or red, tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
The good news is, treating periodontal disease is easy in the early stages (and often reversible). Early periodontal treatment usually includes stepping up your daily brushing and flossing routine followed by a professional dental cleaning. Once periodontitis progresses, Dr. Mark Berard may recommend additional professional dental cleanings, improved at-home oral hygiene, antibiotic treatment, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings), or gum surgery.
So you see, a healthy smile begins with healthy teeth and gums. To help you reach your smile goals, we invite you to schedule your next visit by calling 616-392-2853 today. At Mark D. Berard, DDS in Holland, Michigan, our dedicated team is here for you!