Remember when you were told that you should get your teeth cleaned twice a year?  Well for most people with good dental health, that’s sound advice.

Regular cleanings can be done at Dr. Eric Meeker’s office on the same day as your Comprehensive Exam and X-Rays.  Our hygienist, Cindy, is very gentle while also being thorough—a rare combination indeed!  Your teeth will be clean without creating extra sensitivity.

Deep Cleanings

Why do you need to keep your teeth clean?  Watch and listen to Whoopi Goldberg talk about her dental experiences.

Here is an interesting testimonial from one of our patient’s discussing her real-life experience with periodontal (gum) disease:

I arrived at Dr. Meeker’s office the first time with great anticipation because I wanted the same kind of relationship with him that I had with my dentist up North.  He was recommended by a close friend, so that was a good start.  The first visit wasn’t what I expected.  Dr. Meeker informed me how serious my gum disease was and the effect it was having on my teeth!  To say the least I wasn’t happy, and I started thinking that Dr. Meeker was being too aggressive and perhaps scaring me unnecessarily.  I thought that if my teeth and gums were that bad, surely my old dentist would have corrected this mess.  After a phone call to my old dentist, I was told that he “knew” about the disease and was treating me accordingly—apparently not well enough!

So after going through the cleanings and dental procedures, I’m so glad I stuck with the “aggressive” Dr. Meeker, because my mouth does depend on him, and my teeth and gums are healthier.  I would recommend him to anyone—really!

Patricia S.

Over time our teeth naturally build up with bacteria called plaque and tartar (hardened plaque).  If this process remains unchecked, it can lead to loosened teeth and eventual tooth loss.  This condition is called periodontal disease, or more commonly, gum disease.

Common signs of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums, especially after brushing or flossing
• Swollen and sometimes painful gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Teeth that look stained or “dirty”

During a Deep Cleaning the patient is numbed, and the plaque & tarter are comfortably removed.  The gums can then heal, and the disease process is stopped.  Post-treatment sensitivity is usually minimal.

Periodontal (gum) disease is a nefarious process.  It is mostly painless even as the bone tissue around the teeth is being destroyed.  If you have a history of gum disease, you need to understand that you are never really “cured.”  Regular dental hygiene visits along with consistent and proper home care is the best plan for preventing a relapse.

Periodontal (gum) disease significantly increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.  If you are already at risk for these diseases, then treating any existing periodontal infection has a direct impact on improving your overall health.

Here are a few links discussing the risks of periodontal (gum) disease on your general health:

This article discusses the link between periodontal disease and heart disease.

This article discusses the link between periodontal disease and diabetes.

This article discusses the mechanism by which periodontal disease contributes to heart disease and stroke.

If you have bleeding and/or painful gums, bad breath, or loosened teeth, and you live in Eustis, Mount Dora, Tavares, Leesburg or the Lake County area; call Dr. Eric Meeker for an appointment to evaluate and treat this serious condition.