Gum (periodontal) disease is the unhealthy inflammation, swelling and even infection of the gums and the surrounding bone. Early stages of gum disease are referred to as “gingivitis” and can be reversed with better brushing, flossing and rinsing at home. If gingivitis is not reversed, it then often advances to the more severe disease called “periodontal disease”. Periodontal disease refers to an advanced, non-reversible gum disease involving bone loss and even tooth loss. Signs to watch for are sore or swollen gums, gums that bleed during flossing or even brushing, foul smell or taste or even wiggly teeth. Chances are that if you see your dental office twice a year or more, they are measuring your gums and keeping a close eye out for signs of gum disease. If it has been a while since your last visit, no worries! We have seen it all and love helping people to get back on track to a healthy smile.
Smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease as a non smoker is. Smoking decreases the ability of your immune system to fight infection and heal. It can dry your mouth out and constricts the blood vessels in your mouth as well. Aside from a higher risk of gum disease, smoking can leave ugly stain and cause bad breath. It is a habit your body would prefer you to quit, and we would be happy to give you some pointers!
For happy, healthy gums, you should brush 2x daily, floss daily, refrain from smoking and see your friendly Elmbrook Family Dental Hygienist twice yearly.
You’ve probably been brushing your teeth all by yourself since—well, since you no longer needed a stepstool to reach the faucet, that’s for sure! So, think you’re doing a good job? That may be so, but a review of the basics can never hurt and, in fact, you may just find that you can improve your technique and brush even better. Read on to find out what your Brookfield, WI, dentist at 
Elmbrook Family Dental believes in the importance of family, which is why we treat all of our patients like our own family. As part of our family, we are excited to announce the addition of three babies into the Elmbrook family. While our family continues to grow, we would like to help care for your family as it grows. As a leading family density in Brookfield WI, we provide the 
In mid January, our hygienist Kerrie W. and her husband welcomed a new baby boy into their family. Jude was 8lbs 9oz and 21 inches long. He is a sweet, beautiful baby and we are excited to share this beautiful picture with you! Congratulations Kerrie. Enjoy that beautiful little one.
Another sweet baby has arrived! Our front desk team member Tiffany and her husband welcomed Oliver Beckett at the end of November. He weighed 7lbs 8oz and was 19 inches long. His big brother Owen loves to help take care of his baby brother. Congratulations to their whole family. What a cutie pie!
Our hygienist and media manager Amanda welcomed a new baby into the world. Adeline Joyce was born in October. She was 6lbs 5oz and 19 inches long. She is sweet as can be and the family is so in love! Check out her shirt!
Now that we’re now solidly into the first month of 2016, we want to ask how you’re doing on those new year’s resolutions. We know in our last post we asked you to consider brushing and flossing more… but what about your smile’s appearance? We want you to consider that, too. The team at