Gingivitis and gum disease can threaten smiles and lead to tooth loss unless treated and managed with routine care. When possible, we want to help you and your family avoid the disease completely. In today’s blog, your Rochester, MN, dentist talks about protecting your gum health with preventive dental care.
The Common Causes and Warning Signs
Your gums support your teeth and act as a frame for your smile. When they suffer from poor health, this could leave them vulnerable to disease and threaten the stability of your smile. Inflammation could be brought on by plaque and tartar buildup, tobacco use, and poor oral hygiene habits. Inflammatory illnesses, certain medications, and a family history of periodontal issues could be factors too. In the early stages of gingivitis, your gums could feel sore or appear redder than normal. As periodontal disease develops, you could experience bleeding when you brush and floss, or even receding tissues. When you notice changes, even if they appear minor, let us know right away.
Deep Cleaning
Our team will examine the smile, and then decide the best course of treatment. Often, a deep cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing, could reverse gingivitis or bring periodontal disease into a more manageable state. The procedure involves using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick to gently and thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth and the roots. This could take one visit, or up to four, depending on the severity of your buildup. We then polish your smile afterward for a brighter appearance.
Managing the Disease
Following your deep cleaning, we could prescribe traditional dental cleanings every three to four months to help control buildup and keep the disease in check. At home, you can avoid tobacco products and take time to brush and floss daily. Good oral health habits at home and in our office help your smile stay bright and beautiful, and help you avoid periodontitis, the advanced state that includes adult tooth loss.
If you have any questions about how we diagnose or treat issues like periodontal disease, or about how preventive actions could keep your smile free of disease, then contact our team today to learn more. We look forward to a chance to help you and your family enjoy optimal oral health for years to come.
TALK TO YOUR ROCHESTER, MN DENTIST ABOUT PERIODONTAL TREATMENTS
We want to help you enjoy full smiles by safeguarding your periodontal health with a preventive touch. If you would like to find out more about keeping gums healthy and strong for years to come, or if you wish to book an appointment at our location, call Greenview Cosmetic And Family Dentistry in Rochester, MN at (507) 281-3659.
