A healthy smile not only looks good, it’s important to your overall health as well. Regular brushing and flossing can keep teeth and gums healthy, but you should also visit the dentist on a regular basis. Rochester's leading dentist, Dr. David K. Skeels, can examine your teeth and gums for things you may not notice, like gum disease. Dr. Skeels wants patients to know the early warning signs so they can stop gum disease before it spreads.

The first major sign of gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a condition called gingivitis. Gums may look slightly red or bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. According to Dr. Skeels, bleeding gum tissue isn’t normal, and you should have your gums examined.

Foul breath or a bad taste in your mouth can also serve as an early warning sign of periodontal disease. It can get even worse as the disease progresses. Gum tissues recede, exposing the roots of teeth and causing sensitivity, pain, and even bone loss.

Thankfully, dentists like Dr. Skeels can detect gum disease at its earliest stages during regular checkups. A dentist will examine gum tissue, probe to determine whether your gums are normal or abnormal, and use X-rays to check bone health.

Dr. David K. Skeels and his staff are committed to your oral health. They offer routine teeth cleaning, dentures, tooth extractions, implants, root canals, and dental crowns. Keep gum disease out of your mouth with the help of dentist Dr. David K. Skeels. Call the practice today at (585) 467-7000, or visit their website for more information.