Dr. Blayne Gumm, DDS is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at his clinic in Belleair Bluffs, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care. Dr. Gumm understands the unique oral health needs of seniors, recognizing that general dentists play a vital role in the overall health of this population. He is committed to managing age-related dental issues such as dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborates effectively with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being for patients 65 years and older.
Dr. Blayne Gumm, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Belleair Bluffs, FL, committed to providing evidence-based care within a supportive environment. He focuses on collaborative, patient-centered care, ensuring that patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. His practice prioritizes comprehensive oral care, addressing the specific needs of seniors. Prospective patients should call (727) 584-5693 to confirm if Dr. Gumm is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Gumm primarily provides consultations in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Blayne Gumm is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Blayne Gumm is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. He understands the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, meticulously managing age-related dental concerns like dry mouth and gum disease while collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to care and maximize comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Blayne Gumm can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Blayne Gumm provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Broken Tooth: A chipped or fractured tooth can affect your confidence and eating habits; however, a dentist can effectively repair the damage, restoring both your smile and your ability to eat comfortably.
- Tongue Conditions: Many tongue problems, like burning mouth syndrome or geographic tongue, can be uncomfortable, but your dentist can offer effective strategies for symptom relief, improving your quality of life.
- Swollen Gums: Don't let swollen gums affect your enjoyment of food and life; early detection and treatment by a dentist can often resolve the issue quickly and prevent further complications.
- Dental Injury: Experiencing a dental injury can be upsetting, but your dentist is there to provide relief and restore your smile, improving both your comfort and confidence in social situations.
- Malocclusion (Bad Bite): Malocclusion, or an improper bite, can affect your jaw joint and even lead to TMJ disorders, causing discomfort, but your dentist can offer various solutions such as mouth guards or corrective appliances to alleviate those problems.
- Gummy Smile (Oversized Gingiva): For older adults concerned about the appearance of their gums, dental procedures are available to reshape the gum line, providing a more youthful and balanced smile.
- Canker Sore: Canker sores, those annoying little mouth ulcers, can be treated with over-the-counter remedies to soothe the pain and promote faster healing, and your dentist can provide guidance on appropriate treatment.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Blayne Gumm offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Ceramic Dental Crowns: If a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, a ceramic crown provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution, enhancing both the health and appearance of your smile.
- Surgical Biopsy: A surgical biopsy is a small procedure where a suspicious area in your mouth is removed and sent to a lab to check for cancer or other diseases.
- Dental Implant: Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, acting as a strong foundation for crowns or dentures, and improving your overall oral health and function in the long term.
- Maxillofacial Surgery: Maxillofacial surgery can improve the success rate of dental implants and other restorative treatments by addressing underlying bone issues.
- Apicoectomy: As part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a severely infected tooth, your dentist might recommend an apicoectomy to prevent further damage and preserve your smile.
- Dental Bonding: To enhance the longevity of your natural teeth, bonding can be used to cover minor imperfections and strengthen weakened tooth enamel.
- Debridement: As part of your regular dental checkup, debridement helps your dentist identify early signs of gum disease or other oral health problems.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for General Dentists in Florida.
Dr. Blayne Gumm is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- Grandma beamed as she confidently bit into her favorite apple again, a broken tooth no longer hindering her enjoyment of simple pleasures. Her family rejoiced in her renewed ability to eat comfortably and smile freely.
- A senior woman, previously bothered by a burning sensation in her mouth, found significant relief after meeting with a dentist specializing in oral health for seniors. She regained the joy of enjoying her favorite foods and conversations without discomfort.
- Grandma finally felt confident smiling again after a dentist's care plan addressed her swollen gums, allowing her to enjoy her favorite fruit salad without discomfort.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dental care with Dr. Blayne Gumm:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also your overall well-being.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a very common side effect of many medications, and it is a dental problem. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Gumm can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after each meal. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and palate, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Gumm can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of damage, while a crown is a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth has significant damage, a crack, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed appliance cemented to your teeth, while a partial denture is removable and clips onto existing teeth. A bridge permanently fills the gap, while a partial denture is an appliance you remove for cleaning.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, yet vital part of your routine dental exam. Dr. Gumm will visually inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in older adults is often due to receding gums, exposing the tooth root, which lacks enamel protection. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Gumm can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth.
490 Indian Rocks Rd N
Belleair Bluffs FL 33770
Phone: (727) 584-5693
Dr. Blayne Gumm, DDS is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1023118700
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. General Dentists like Dr. Blayne Gumm are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.