Your gum health is vital for the stability of your smile, and without treatment for gingivitis you could risk the onset of periodontal disease. Our team wants to help you avoid the onset of poor gum health, so your smile stays healthy and whole. In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist talks about keeping your gums healthy.
The Signs (and Causes) of Poor Gum Health
How do you know if your gums are in trouble? If you notice any changes to them, you should see us right away. Warning signs of trouble could include soreness, redness, and bleeding when you brush and floss. Receding gums could be a sign of trouble too! Your periodontal issues could begin as inflammation, or gingivitis, brought on by poor oral hygiene that allows plaque buildup to irritate and inflame the tissues. A diet high in sugar and starch can feed buildup-causing bacteria, and using tobacco products, can increase your risk too. A family history of the disease is a factor, as is the presence of inflammatory illnesses or the use of certain medications. Without treatment for inflammation, the tissues could form pockets at the gum line for disease-causing bacteria to enter, which then leads to periodontal disease.
Taking a Preventive Approach
Preventive care can help reverse gingivitis, or manage the early stages of periodontal disease so you avoid the late stages linked to tooth loss and serious discomfort. We could help with a scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning or perio cleaning. The procedure employs an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove plaque and tartar buildup from both the teeth and the roots too. We will administer a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. For most, this could take one visit. Severe buildup could mean two to four visits. We then polish the teeth afterward, and manage your periodontal disease with regular dental cleanings every three to four months to control buildup and prevent worsening symptoms.
At-Home Care
At home, you can safeguard your smile too. For example, be sure you brush and floss every day to remove tray food particles and prevent major buildup in between your cleaning visits. You also help by eating a healthier diet and avoid tobacco products. These actions also help fight tooth decay too! If you have any questions about safeguarding your periodontal health, then contact our team today.
TALK TO YOUR ROCHESTER, MN DENTIST ABOUT YOUR PERIODONTAL HEALTH
We would like to help you avoid tooth loss and other complications of untreated oral health issues. If you would like to find more about keeping your smile whole and healthy, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
