Your efforts to protect your smile should keep you safe against dental decay, but your overall oral health is affected by more than just the presence or absence of cavities. If you want to maintain a smile that is healthy and attractive, you need to watch out for problems with gum disease as well as problems that affect your teeth. Gingivitis, the first stage of a periodontal infection, can affect many people. This is one of many problems that your Rochester, MN dentist will check you for during a routine dental exam. If you show signs of this problem, we can provide treatment in the office to help, and we can offer guidance on better preventive care between visits. When gingivitis is not dealt with in the appropriate manner, an infection can worsen and create more problems for you over time.
Gum Disease Can Create More Problems Than You Realize
How worried should you really be if you have issues with gingivitis? There are several issues connected to an infection, like tissue sensitivity and problems with bleeding, swelling and discoloration, and even changes in your gum line. When an infection progresses, it can have more serious consequences for you. Those consequences include tooth loss stemming from the destruction of tissues that keep your teeth supported. A serious infection can also interfere with other health conditions and make you more vulnerable to serious problems over time.
Protecting Your Periodontal Health At Home
Your first line of defense against gum disease is your commitment to good daily oral hygiene. Just as your brushing and flossing routine can help you avoid problems that call for dental crowns and dental fillings, these habits help you remove the bacteria that can cause gingivitis. If you want to be sure that your gums are protected, make sure that you clean thoroughly at your gum line when you brush and when you floss. Be consistent with both habits to stop the accumulation of bacteria and the formation of tartar – you should brush at least twice per day, and floss at least one time.
How Your Dentist Helps You Fight Gingivitis
During your oral health exam, your dentist will look for signs of gingivitis. If any evidence of poor periodontal health is observed, we can make plans to fight the problem by performing a periodontal cleaning. This cleaning takes care of your gums by removing the bacteria that have gathered on the roots of your teeth and started to affect them.
Talk To Your Rochester, MN Dentist About Gum Disease
At Calcagno Cosmetic And Family Dentistry, we provide support against the different oral health threats that can impact your smile and quality of life. To find out more about how we help people in and around our community, talk to our dental office in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
