General Dentistry by Brian Klym, D.D.S.

Good oral hygiene will not only keep your smile looking and feeling its best, but it will also keep it in the best of health. Studies have linked poor oral hygiene to serious health consequences such as:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Dementia

A good oral hygiene routine consists of brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing between meals. In addition to your oral health routine, you’ll want to visit our Traverse City or Petosky locations for professional cleanings and checkups. 

During these appointments, we’ll ensure your mouth is in the best of health and let you know about any issues before they become problematic.

Some patients are unaware that they have gum disease until it progresses to an advanced stage, commonly known as periodontitis. There are a few symptoms that may indicate that you have gum disease, including:

• Red or swollen gums
• Gums that bleed
• Painful gums or teeth
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Receding gums

If you think you’re suffering from gum disease, contact our Traverse City office by calling (231) 947-7202 or our Petoskey office at (231) 347-2188 and we’ll see you at your earliest convenience.

Your oral health is best maintained by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing between meals. In addition to following good oral hygiene, you’ll want to schedule bi-annual check-ups and professional cleanings.  

There are a few ways you can further improve your oral health, including:

• Use oral care products that contain fluoride
• Brush your teeth before bed
• Avoid frequent snacking
• Limit sugary and acidic foods
• Eat tooth-healthy foods

At your appointment, our helpful staff will provide any additional tips to improve your at-home oral care.

If you experience tooth or mouth damage, pain, or swelling that home remedies like a cold compress or a topical anesthetic don’t alleviate, you have a dental emergency. The most common dental emergencies include:

1. Abscesses
2. Toothaches
3. Broken teeth
4. Missing teeth (knocked-out teeth)
5. Mouth, lip, or tongue injuries