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It’s time to face an uncomfortable fact: as important as it is, traditional flossing is hard to do. That’s why so many people skip it, which is definitely a mistake. Water flossers (often called by the brand name Waterpik) offer a much easier-to-use help but not replacement.

However, just owning a water pick isn’t enough to keep the cavities away. Like any tool, there’s a learning curve. If you’ve ever ended up with a soaked bathroom mirror or a sore spot on your gums, you might be using it not quite as intended.

Set It Up Right

Start by filling the reservoir with lukewarm water. Cold water is fine, but it can be a lot on sensitive teeth, especially when in a pressurized stream.

Next, pick the right tip. Most units come with a variety of attachments:

● Classic Jet Tip: Everyday use.
● Orthodontic Tip: For cleaning around braces and brackets.
● Pik Pocket Tip: For reaching deeper into periodontal pockets.
● Plaque Seeker Tip: For implants, crowns, and bridges.

Lean Over the Sink and Close Your Mouth

This is the step that saves your bathroom from looking like a water park. If you turn on the water flosser while standing upright and looking in the mirror, you’re going to get sprayed.

Instead, lean over the sink so your face is horizontal. Put the tip in your mouth and close your lips just enough to prevent splashing, but leave them open slightly so the water can flow out of your mouth and into the drain.

Find the Right Pressure

If you’re new to water flossing, don’t start at the highest setting. Your gums need time to get used to the sensation. Start at the lowest pressure and work your way up. You want the stream to be firm, but it should never feel painful or cause significant bleeding. For the most popular brands, that is usually about 50% of the maximum setting.

Trace, Don’t Spray

Start with your back molars and work your way toward the front. Hold the tip at a 90-degree angle to your teeth. You’re aiming at the space where the tooth meets the gum. Gently trace the gumline. When you reach the space between two teeth, pause for a second or two. Don’t forget to clean the “inside” of your teeth (the tongue side) as well as the “outside” (the cheek side).

Is It a Replacement for String Floss?

This is the million-dollar question. While a Waterpik is effective at flushing out debris and reducing gum inflammation, it works differently from string floss. String floss uses “mechanical scraping” to remove stubborn biofilm from the sides of your teeth.

For most people, the water pick is a supplement to flossing. However, if you absolutely refuse to use string floss, a water pick is better than doing nothing at all! However, if you have braces, implants, or permanent bridges, a water flosser is a must-have.

Why Your Gums Will Thank You

When used correctly, a water flosser is very effective at reaching into the “pockets” of the gums where traditional floss can’t go. This helps reduce the risk of gingivitis and keeps your breath smelling fresh.

If you’ve recently picked up a water flosser and aren’t sure if you’re getting the most out of it, bring it up at your next appointment at Foutz Family Dentistry. We can give you a quick “hands-on” demo to make sure your technique is right.

Dental health doesn’t seem like it’s related to the rest of your healthcare. Even the insurance is different. You see your doctor for your heart, your lungs, and your blood pressure, and you see your dentist for your teeth. However, your mouth is not a closed system. What happens there affects what happens throughout the rest of the body.

The Mouth as a Window Into Your Health

Your mouth is home to hundreds of species of bacteria. Most are harmless, while some are beneficial. However, when oral hygiene slips, dangerous bacteria can multiply and travel.

Gum disease creates small openings in the tissue lining the mouth. Through those openings, bacteria and the inflammatory compounds they trigger can enter your bloodstream. From there, they can reach the heart, the lungs, the brain, and virtually every other organ and system in the body.

Heart Disease and Stroke

When you think of heart disease and stroke, you probably think of high blood pressure and cholesterol. However, oral health also plays a role here. Patients with gum disease and a history of stroke who had more intensive periodontal treatment showed better outcomes than those who had standard care. Periodontal bacteria can show up in arterial plaque.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of all types of infection, including periodontal disease. However, severe gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control. Chronic inflammation from gum disease interferes with insulin sensitivity, and treating periodontal disease can improve blood sugar levels.

Respiratory Health

Oral bacteria can also be inhaled directly into the lungs. In healthy people, the respiratory system filters out most of what it encounters. However, older adults, people with compromised immune systems, or anyone already dealing with respiratory conditions, oral bacteria inhaled from the mouth and throat can contribute to pneumonia and other lung infections.

Pregnancy Complications

Hormonal changes during pregnancy make the gums more susceptible to inflammation, which is called pregnancy gingivitis. Left untreated, it can progress to more serious periodontal disease. The problem is that the condition creates an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

What You Can Do

The good news is that the same habits that protect your teeth also protect the rest of your body. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with cleanings and exams are important for a white smile, but regular dental care also gives your dentist the chance to spot early signs of gum disease, infection, and other changes before they progress.

If you have diabetes, heart disease, or are pregnant, talk to both your physician and your dentist about how your oral health fits into your overall care. If you live in the Henderson or Las Vegas area, Foutz Family Dentistry offers comprehensive preventive and restorative care backed by four generations of experience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and make your dental health part of your whole-body health strategy.

You’ve been here before. You’re in the oral care aisle at the store, staring at your options in growing confusion. Rows upon rows of brightly colored packages promise everything from “ultra-whitening” to “deep-clean technology.” It’s enough to make anyone want to just grab the first one they see and head for the checkout. Don’t do that.  

Do: Prioritize Soft Bristles

 If there’s one “do” that tops the list, it’s always go for soft bristles. A lot of people think that “harder” means “cleaner”, but firm or even medium bristles are very abrasive. Your goal is to sweep away plaque, which is soft and sticky, not to scrub your teeth like you’re cleaning the grout in your shower. Soft bristles are flexible enough to get under the gumline and into the nooks and crannies where bacteria hide, but also easy on your gums.

Do: Check the Head Size

For most adults, a small-to-medium-sized head is the way to go because your mouth has plenty of hard-to-reach areas, especially around the back molars. A brush head that’s too large won’t be able to maneuver easily in those tight spaces, leaving behind plaque that can eventually turn into tartar.

Don’t: Overlook the Handle

Yes, the bristles do the heavy lifting. However, the handle is what gives you control over the toothbrush. Many brushes come with non-slip grips or ergonomic shapes, so look for one that’s comfortable. If you have arthritis, a thicker handle or an electric toothbrush can make brushing much more comfortable.

Do: Consider an Electric Toothbrush

You don’t need an electric toothbrush to have a healthy smile, but they definitely make the job easier. The powered oscillations or sonic vibrations do a better job of breaking up plaque than manual scrubbing. Plus, most electric models come with built-in timers to make sure you’re actually brushing for the full two minutes.

Don’t: Forget the Three-Month Rule

It doesn’t matter how good your toothbrush is if you keep using it after the bristles have frayed and degraded. Replace yours every three to four months (replacing it every season is an easy way to remember).

Do: Look for the ADA Seal

Not sure how to choose from all the options? Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. It means the toothbrush has been independently tested and does what the ADA says a good toothbrush should.

Here’s to Better Brushing

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to toothbrushes. Choose a brush that fits your mouth comfortably and treats your gums with respect. Doing that in conjunction with regular cleanings will help keep your smile bright and healthy. Remember, the best toothbrush is the one you’ll actually use twice a day! If you’re still not sure which option is right for your unique needs, don’t hesitate to ask us during your next cleaning at Foutz Family Dentistry. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect fit.

Do you snore loudly? Maybe you wake up exhausted no matter how many hours you slept, or find yourself nodding off at inopportune moments during the day. If that sounds familiar, there’s a decent chance sleep apnea is involved. Here’s something you might not expect: your dentist may be one of the most important people on your care team when it comes to managing it.

What Sleep Apnea Actually Is

 Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much during sleep. That lets your airway narrow or close entirely, cutting off airflow. Your brain registers the drop in oxygen and briefly wakes you up to reopen the airway. It can happen dozens or even hundreds of times a night. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, and cognitive decline.

Why Your Dentist Might Notice First

You might not connect your dentist with sleep apnea, but think about what your dentist sees when you open your mouth. The size and position of your jaw, your tongue, your soft palate, and the overall structure of your airway are all visible during a routine exam. A recessed jaw, a large tongue, a narrow airway, or excessive tissue at the back of the throat are associated with a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

Your dentist might also notice worn-down teeth, which are a common sign of bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep). Bruxism and sleep apnea show up together pretty regularly. When your airway is obstructed, your body sometimes responds by grinding or clenching in an effort to reopen it.

Oral Appliance Therapy

For many people, the word “sleep apnea” immediately calls to mind a CPAP machine, which delivers a continuous stream of pressurized air through a mask while you sleep. CPAPs work, but they’re also bulky, loud, and uncomfortable enough that many people don’t use them consistently.

Oral appliance therapy is an alternative. A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a custom-fitted mouthpiece similar to a sports guard that you wear while you sleep. It works by gently repositioning your lower jaw forward, which keeps your airway open and prevents the tissue collapse that causes apnea episodes. It’s also less uncomfortable, and you can travel with it easily, which makes it much more likely that you’ll use it.

The Fitting and Adjustment Process

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and your doctor or sleep specialist recommends oral appliance therapy, the fitting happens in your dentist’s office. Your dentist takes detailed impressions or digital scans of your teeth and then makes a custom device.

 There’s an adjustment period as your jaw gets used to sleeping in a slightly different position. Most people adapt within a few weeks. Follow-up visits let your dentist fine-tune the degree of jaw advancement to find the position that controls your apnea while keeping you comfortable.

 Breathe (and Sleep) a Little Easier

If you’ve been told you might have sleep apnea, or if you’re waking up tired every morning and nobody has looked into why, it’s worth considering. Foutz Family Dentistry serves patients throughout the Henderson and Las Vegas area with comprehensive dental care, including sleep apnea solutions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

You lean over the sink after brushing, and there it is again: a streak of pink in the foam. It’s easy to shrug off, but bleeding gums can be a sign of something more serious. They’re your body’s way of signaling an issue, and the longer you ignore it, the worse it can get.

A little blood may not feel alarming, but your gums are tied to the overall health of your teeth. Knowing what causes bleeding, what it might mean, and when to see a dentist can save you from bigger dental problems later.

Common Causes of Bleeding Gums

Most often, bleeding gums come down to plaque. When plaque clings to the gumline, it can irritate and inflame the tissue, becoming gingivitis. This condition makes your gums more fragile and prone to bleeding. If you’ve been skipping flossing, or if you’ve been brushing too hard or too quickly, your gums may develop small abrasions that bleed.

Other factors play a role, such as:

• Certain medications can thin blood and make gums bleed easier.
• Lack of vitamins C and K can weaken gum tissue.
• Hormonal shifts, especially during pregnancy or menopause, can increase gum sensitivities.
• Brushing with a stiff-bristled toothbrush can scrape and irritate otherwise healthy gums.

Gum Disease Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Bleeding can be concerning, but if there are other symptoms, you could develop gum disease. Watch for swelling, redness, tenderness, or receding gums (that pull back from your teeth). Chronic bad breath is another sign that bacteria are thriving where they shouldn’t.

If gum disease progresses to periodontic, the infection can reach deep into your tissues and the bone holding teeth in place. This turns bleeding gums into loose teeth, which makes chewing painful and could indicate a risk for tooth loss. Spotting the warning signs early gives you an advantage when seeking professional dental care.

The Role of Brushing Technique and Toothbrush Type

Sometimes bleeding gums isn’t caused by disease but by the way you brush. Scrubbing too hard can make gums sore and prone to bleeding. The same goes for using a toothbrush with hard, firm bristles. Gentle pressure and a soft-bristled toothbrush are recommended for a thorough clean that won’t cause gum damage.

Brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline, then use small circular motions instead of sawing back and forth. Add daily flossing to clear plaque from between teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. The right technique can often improve gum health within a few days.

When to See a Dentist About Bleeding Gums

An occasional spot of blood may not be cause for alarm, but consistently bleeding gums could be detrimental to your health. If your gums bleed daily, if the problem worsens, or if you notice other symptoms like receding gums or persistent bad breath, schedule a dental checkup with Fouz Family Dentistry.

We can help determine whether you’re dealing with simple irritation, gingivitis, or something more advanced. Early treatment can restore gum health, protecting your gums and teeth from long-term damage.

Did you know that your mouth is designed to stay moist? Saliva doesn’t just make talking and eating easier; it’s the built-in defense system that protects your teeth and gums. When your mouth dries out, even for a short period of time, you start to notice discomfort. And when it happens often, your oral health can suffer beyond feeling thirsty.

Chronic dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is an annoyance that changes the environment inside your mouth. It creates perfect conditions for tooth decay and gum disease. However, understanding the role of saliva in oral health and spotting early problems can help you protect your smile in the long run.

Why Saliva Matters for Oral Health

Saliva is constantly at work in ways you may not notice. It washes away food particles, neutralizes harmful acids and bacteria, and carries minerals, like calcium and phosphate, to your teeth and gums to strengthen tissue and enamel. Without enough saliva, your teeth lose their natural shield against damaging germs.

Think of saliva as your mouth’s housekeeper and repair crew. Without it, your teeth and gums are left vulnerable. A healthy flow of saliva prevents plaque from hardening into tartar, making professional cleanings easier and reducing the risk of cavities developing in hard-to-reach crevices.

Short-Term Effects of Dry Mouth

At first, dry mouth may feel like stickiness on your tongue or difficulty swallowing. You might also notice bad breath, a dry throat, or changes in taste. These symptoms may seem harmless, but they’re signs that your mouth isn’t staying as clean as it should.

Lack of saliva, even short term, allows bacteria to multiply quickly. Plaque builds up quickly, and food acids will sit longer on your teeth. This sets the stage for cavities and gum inflammation.

Long-Term Damage to Teeth and Gums

When dry mouth persists, the risks are heightened. Enamel weakens, cavities form in places you’ve never had before (and may not notice), and your gums are more prone to disease that causes recession and bleeding. Because saliva also helps combat fungal growth, long-term dry mouth can lead to oral infections, like thrush.

Over time, gum disease can develop, and teeth may become sensitive and brittle, or they may loosen entirely from unchecked decay. What begins as uncomfortable, annoying dryness can eventually compromise your entire smile if left untreated.

How to Protect Your Mouth from Dryness

Managing dry mouth comes down to daily habits and professional care. For example:

• Drinking water (at least 64 ounces daily) helps tissues remain moist and rinses away bacteria.
• Sugar-free gums or lozenges encourage saliva flow.
• Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and excessive caffeine will reduce dryness.
• Over-the-counter rinses add extra oral moisture.

If medications or medical conditions are the cause of your dry mouth, Foutz Family Dentistry may suggest targeted treatments or product prescriptions to protect enamel and alleviate oral irritation. Regular checkups are tantamount, since dentists can check for signs of damage and help prevent long-term complications.

For some people, stress shows up as restless nights or tension headaches. For others, it means waking up with sore jaws or teeth that feel too sensitive. The hidden culprit is often teeth grinding, a habit that sneaks in when you go to sleep feeling anxious or upset.

Known as bruxism, teeth grinding is common, but its connection to stress is tricky. You may not realize it’s happening while you sleep until damage is done to your oral health. Luckily, understanding how stress plays into bruxism can help you determine how to protect your teeth and overall well-being.

What Exactly is Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)?

Bruxism is the clenching or grinding of teeth, often happening when someone is unconscious during sleep. While occasional grinding doesn’t cause major harm, frequent or forceful grinding wears down enamel and chips teeth while straining jaw muscles. Over time, it can lead to chronic discomfort and expensive dental repairs.

There are two types of bruxism: awake bruxism, which is linked to jaw clenching during the day, and sleep bruxism, which is more challenging to control because it happens at night. Stress fuels both, but sleep bruxism is more common when anxiety feels overwhelming.

How Stress Triggers Nighttime Grinding

Stress creates tension throughout the body, and the jaw is one place where it shows. When you carry stress or anxiety into sleep, your muscles may contract unconsciously, leading to teeth grinding. This can happen even if you don’t remember feeling especially anxious, overwhelmed, or stressed before bedtime.

Research suggests that people under stress may also experience sleep disruptions. Those nocturnal disturbances make the nervous system more active during the evenings, increasing risk of jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Unfortunately, the more stress builds and affects your mindset, the stronger and more frequent teeth grinding episodes become.

Signs You Might Be Grinding Without Realizing It

Because bruxism happens at night, many people don’t know they’re grinding their teeth until a dentist sees the signs. However, there are a few telltale signs, such as:

• Morning headaches
• Sore or tight jaw muscles
• Teeth that feel sensitive, especially directly after waking up

Look for physical changes to your teeth, too. Flattened or chipped teeth, worn enamel, and intentions on your tongue or cheeks may indicate grinding as a nightly habit. Do you sleep with a partner? Ask them if they hear teeth grinding sounds while you sleep. Often times, spouses will notice a loved one’s bruxism first.

Effective Treatments and Stress-Relief Strategies

Managing teeth grinding or bruxism takes a two-part approach: protecting your teeth and lowering stress. At Foutz Family Dentistry , we commonly recommend custom night guards that act as a cushion between teeth to reduce damage. Routine checkups can also help you track wear or catch problems before they worsen.

On the stress side, relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, can help ease tension that may fuel nighttime teeth grinding. Create a calming bedtime routine, avoid evening caffeine, and exercise regularly to help reduce nocturnal clenching. In some severe cases, professional therapy or medication may help better manage both stress and bruxism.

That first morning cup of coffee does more than wake you up with a jolt of caffeine. It lingers, it comforts, and for many people, it’s a non-negotiable part of the day. However, while coffee fuels your focus, the deep brown color can leave behind stains on your teeth.

Coffee stains don’t appear overnight. They build up a little over time, dulling the sparkle of your smile until one day you realize your teeth look less white than they used to. The good news is that you don’t have to give up coffee to protect your teeth. With expert dental guidance, you can enjoy your everyday brew while keeping teeth bright.

Why Coffee Stains Your Teeth in the First Place

Coffee’s dark colors are packed with tannins, which are compounds that cling to smooth surfaces. Your enamel, though strong, is porous with subtle ridges where pigments can settle. To make things trickier, coffee is acidic, meaning your enamel is temporarily weakened to make it even easier for pigments to sink in and stick. That’s why frequent coffee drinkers often notice yellow or brown discolorations, especially near the front teeth where coffee flows between your lips first.

Even brushing twice daily doesn’t completely erase the effects of being a frequent coffee drinker. Once pigments seep in below the enamel, they become harder to remove. Ergo, prevention and maintenance are as important as whitening strategies.

Daily Habits That Help Prevent Staining

Small shifts in your coffee routine will keep stains under control. For instance, drinking water alongside your cup of coffee will help rinse pigments before they settle onto your enamel. Are you a fan of iced coffee? Use a straw to limit how much liquid touches your front teeth. Does it take you hours to finish a single cup of coffee? Finish your cup in one sitting to reduce exposure to coffee’s acidity.

Other daily habits to consider include:

• Avoid brushing immediately after coffee since enamel is softer and scrubbing can wear it down.
• Swish with water or chew sugar-free gum until you can brush later.
• Pair coffee with crunchy foods, like carrots or apple wedges, for a natural scrubbing effect that minimizes stains.

Professional vs. At-Home Whitening Options

Whitening is the best solution if stains have already built up. At-home strips and trays can brighten teeth gradually, though results will vary and they may not be as dramatic as you’d like. Whitening toothpastes can help maintain brightness too, but they rarely tackle deeper discoloration that’s penetrated the enamel.

Professional whitening is more powerful and delivers quicker, more noticeable results. One session can lighten your teeth by several shades, and most dental offices offer take-home trays for consistent, safe whitening over time. Professional care is worth the investment.

Long-Term Oral Care for Coffee Lovers

Consistency is essential for coffee drinkers who want to keep teeth healthy, white, and bright. Regular cleanings will help remove buildup, and an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will strengthen enamel to make it more resilient against coffee stains.

Contact Foutz Family Dental to explore teeth whitening options that allow you to keep your coffee ritual without sacrificing your smile.

You probably don’t think much about your gums until they shrink away like a bad haircut. Gum recession can sneak up over time, exposing sensitive tooth roots, creating pockets for bacteria, and even making your smile look longer than you bargained for.

Fortunately, gum grafting offers a way to restore what’s been lost—both in tissue and confidence.

So, when might you need a gum graft?

If you’re noticing increased sensitivity, visible root exposure, or changes in your gumline, your dentist might recommend grafting to stop the recession. It’s not just a cosmetic fix; it’s a proactive measure to protect the bone and structure of your teeth before things get worse.

What Is Gum Grafting and Why Is It Done?

Gum grafting is a dental procedure where a small piece of healthy gum tissue is placed over an area where the gum has receded. Sometimes the tissue comes from the roof of your mouth; other times it’s donated depending on your situation.

The main goal?

Cover up exposed roots, protect your teeth, and restore the natural gumline. It can also help reduce sensitivity and make your smile look more balanced. It’s a minor repair that can make a big difference.

Causes of Gum Recession That May Require Grafting

Gum recession is more common than you might think, and it’s not just about getting older. It can be triggered by brushing too aggressively (yes, there is such a thing as brushing too hard), gum disease, smoking, genetics, or even orthodontic work. Sometimes, little habits slowly wear away your gumline, like clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night.

Even piercings in your lips or tongue can irritate the gums enough to cause damage over time. If any of these factors sound familiar and your gumline is noticeably higher than it used to be, a gum graft might be necessary to protect your teeth and restore your gum health.

Types of Gum Grafts: Which One Might You Need?

• A connective tissue graft is the most common method and involves taking tissue from beneath the roof of your mouth and stitching it over the exposed tooth root.
• A free gingival graft uses surface tissue from the roof of the mouth to add bulk to thin gums, especially in patients with naturally minimal gum tissue.
• A pedicle graft repositions healthy gum tissue from an adjacent area, keeping it partially attached to maintain blood supply and promote quicker healing.
• A donor graft (or allograft) uses sterilized tissue from a tissue bank, which is an excellent option if you prefer not to take tissue from your mouth.

Protecting Your Smile with Gum Grafting

Gum grafting isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a powerful way to protect your teeth from sensitivity, decay, and eventual loss caused by receding gums. With proper care, grafts can last a lifetime and keep your smile strong and healthy.

Contact Foutz Family Dentistry today to determine if gum grafting is right for you.

Plaque is sneaky. It’s the clingy ex of the dental world, always showing up where it’s not wanted, making things worse over time, and refusing to leave without intervention. While routine cleanings do a great job keeping most surface-level buildup at bay, sometimes your gums need extra help.

That’s where deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, comes in.

This isn’t your typical polish-and-rinse appointment. Scaling and root planing is a focused, below-the-gumline procedure designed to treat early-stage gum disease and prevent it from worsening. It sounds intimidating, but it’s one of the most effective ways to protect your smile from serious periodontal problems down the road.

What is Scaling and Root Planing? Breaking Down the Procedure

Scaling and root planing is a two-step cleaning process that targets the stubborn plaque and tartar hiding beneath your gumline. First comes scaling, where your hygienist uses specialized tools to remove hardened deposits on your teeth and roots. Then comes root planing, which smooths out the root surfaces so your gums can reattach properly and bacteria have a harder time finding a place to hide.

It’s more thorough than a regular cleaning and often done under local anesthesia, especially if your gums are tender or inflamed.

How Deep Cleaning Differs from Routine Dental Cleaning

Think of a routine dental cleaning like tidying up your kitchen counter, and scaling and root planing like deep-scrubbing behind the stove. Routine cleanings focus on the visible parts of your teeth and gumline. Deep cleaning goes below the surface, removing buildup that can’t be reached with standard tools or flossing.

While a routine cleaning is part of regular dental maintenance, scaling and root planing are prescribed when early signs of gum disease are present, meaning it’s less about routine and more about intervention.

Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning for Your Gums

Gum disease can be a quiet saboteur, but there are warning signs. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to talk to your dentist:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Chronic bad breath
• Receding gums or teeth that look longer than usual
• Tender, swollen, or red gums
• A persistent bad taste in your mouth
• Loose or shifting teeth

Even if you’re not feeling pain, gum disease can still damagethe tissue below the surface.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Your mouth will likely be numbed during the procedure to keep things comfortable. Depending on the work needed, it might be done in one visit or split into two sessions. Afterward, your gums might feel sore or sensitive, and you may notice slight bleeding for a day or two.

You’ll be back to normal quickly with proper aftercare—gentle brushing, an antimicrobial rinse, and maybe a soft-food diet for a day or two. And your gums will thank you.

Think you might need more than just a surface scrub? Contact Foutz Family Dentistry to determine if scaling and root planingis right for your gums.