How Good Is Your Daily Defense Against Gingivitis?

Why is it important to stay consistent with your oral hygiene routine? Our smiles face persistent threats from oral bacteria, and we regularly increase our chances of developing problems when we eat and drink different products, particularly those that are high in sugar. Your daily efforts protect you against tooth decay, but you should remember that the work of cleaning your smile also protects you against gingivitis. Gingivitis can lead to potentially serious problems with your health if it is not managed in time. While our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office can help you deal with the problem through a special periodontal cleaning, you should have an oral care routine in place that can stop the problem from worsening.

Periodontal Problems Can Have More Consequences Than You Might Expect

Are you aware of the link between gum disease and tooth loss? If you develop a periodontal infection, and it is not addressed in time, you can develop a case of gum disease that is effectively permanent. If it is not being managed responsibly, this stage of gum disease can destroy the tissues that keep your teeth in place, causing you to lose them! Periodontal problems have also been linked to troubles with your overall health. An infection can make it difficult for you to manage other health conditions, and it may increase your risk for heart troubles.

Flossing Is An Important Part Of Your Preventive Routine

Flossing is an important component of an oral health care routine. Without flossing, you become vulnerable to plaque accumulation between teeth, which can lead to tartar formation. If this occurs at the base of teeth, you are at risk for the development of gingivitis. Floss at least once a day in order to fight this problem. In addition to helping you stay out of periodontal trouble, flossing can make you less likely to develop a cavity that requires the placement of a dental filling or a dental crown.

Make Sure You Check For Signs Of Gingivitis When You Care For Your Smile

You may not feel pain when gingivitis forms, but you can see changes in your periodontal tissues. Watch out for these changes in order to receive an early warning about gum disease. Symptoms of gingivitis can include:

  • A sensitivity to bleeding when you brush and floss your teeth
  • Changes in the color of periodontal tissues
  • Swelling of certain tissues
  • A recession of your gum line
  • Chronic bad breath

If you notice these symptoms, it can be a sign that your oral hygiene routine is less effective than it should be. Before your next dental checkup, commit to persistent brushing and flossing that focuses on cleaning the spaces where your teeth and gum tissues meet.

Dental Impressions In Ankeny, IA Helps Patients Manage Their Oral And Periodontal Health

At Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, patients who show signs of gum disease can come to us for important periodontal treatment! To find out more about how we can take care of gum disease, and how we can protect your overall oral health, call our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office at (515) 965-0230.