Did you know that keeping your gums healthy can prevent tooth loss, as well as cosmetic issues with the appearance of your smile? People often underestimate the importance of gum health. By taking proper care of your entire smile, you can limit the risk of gingivitis and gum disease!
Avoiding Tooth Loss
Did you know that periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease, is the single greatest cause of tooth loss? Periodontitis attacks the tissue that connects the teeth and gums, leading to teeth become loose and eventually, lost. Keeping your gums healthy is key to maintaining your smile, but what steps should you take?
Keeping Them Strong from Home
First, always take time to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once each night. Doing so can remove food particles and limit the risk of plaque buildup, which can inflame the gum tissue. We also urge patients to avoid smoking or tobacco use, which can irritate and inflame gum tissue.
Have Your Smile Cleaned!
Every six months, you should see us for a dental cleaning. During the visit, we use an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. We then polish the teeth. Doing so is the only way to completely remove plaque from the teeth. The visit also allows us a chance to examine your smile and see if you require treatment for inflammation. Identifying gum problems in the earliest stages can allow us to reverse inflammation and prevent the onset of gum disease.
Deep Cleaning and Other Treatment Options
Should you develop inflammation, also known as gingivitis, we can reverse the issue with a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). We can also treat gingivitis and the early stages of gum disease with antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses. Finally, laser treatment can help manage the later stages of the disease.
To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at (847) 230-9703.