Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults, and it has been linked to many overall health conditions, including stroke, heart attack, and respiratory problems.

At your hygiene appointment, we'll clean plaque, tartar, and hardened food particles from your teeth. We'll take measures to make sure your gums stay healthy and strong.

Checkups are important because, even if you don't notice any pain or problems with your teeth, we may find signs of potential problems. For instance, demineralization is a precursor to decay, oral cancer often goes undetected until the later stages, and gum disease can be very stealthy.

Most tooth loss in people under 35 years of age is caused by athletic trauma, fights or accidents. So be careful!