We often talk about the steps necessary to maintain healthy teeth, but what about your gums? Healthy gingival tissue is crucial for maintaining a whole and healthy smile. Without proper maintenance, your gums can become susceptible to gingivitis and eventually, periodontal disease. How do you improve gum health? What can you do to protect your smile from gingivitis and gum disease?
Diagnosing the Problem
First, we will need to assess the cause and extent of your gum problems. If you notice redness, soreness in the gums, or bleeding when you brush or floss, you should see the dentist for a diagnosis. The doctor will use dental software and intraoral cameras to gain a detailed view of your oral health, measure gum recession, and find out what issues are plaguing your smile. From there, the doctor can recommend treatment options.
Deep Cleaning
In many cases we will perform a deep cleaning. This addresses the problem in the gingivitis stage, before gum disease forms. Using a scaling and root planing we will remove plaque from the teeth and below the gum line. Doing so stops inflammation and helps improve gum health. Afterward, you should have routine cleanings performed once every six months to control the amount of plaque that builds up on your teeth.
Better Homecare
By taking better care of your smile at home you can limit the risk of poor gum health. You should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, once when you wake up and again before going to bed. We also suggest flossing every day before you go to sleep. Flossing is vital because it reaches the food particles stuck between teeth, the same particles toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Flossing goes a long way towards protecting your smile from the onset of gum problems, including gingivitis and gum disease.
