While gingivitis can be painless, it can attract your attention thanks to certain other symptoms that may occur. It is important to watch for these problems, and to take action if they are present. Over time, gingivitis can lead to a more severe form of infection, periodontitis. When a person develops this issue, they can have more difficulties maintaining their dental and periodontal health, and they can face upsetting complications! At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we have experience helping patients tend to problems that might threaten their oral and periodontal health. In addition to stepping in when there are identifiable problems, we can provide consistent dental exams that help you address concerns before they grab your attention.
Can I Really Identify Issues Caused By Gingivitis?
There are issues connected to gingivitis that you should be on the lookout for whenever you are cleaning your smile. If you often bleed whenever you brush or floss, you should be concerned about a potential infection. You can also grow concerned because of swollen or discolored tissues. Another issue to watch for is gum line recession. If your gums appear to be drawing back and exposing more of your teeth, it can be a cosmetic concerns as well as a sign that something is wrong with your smile.
What Can Happen If Gum Disease Goes Unresolved?
When you act in time to fight gingivitis, you can reverse the condition before it has the opportunity to worsen. Unfortunately, patients sometimes miss the signs of poor periodontal health, and let the matter progress to periodontitis. An advanced infection can be a permanent problem that calls for consistent attention and care. If this infection is not managed, bacteria can travel through your bloodstream to create problems elsewhere. The infection can also lead to the destruction of tissues that keep teeth in place, which can cause tooth loss.
The Right Daily Habits Can Help You Protect Your Periodontal Health
What can you do to make sure you have no issues with gingivitis? Your efforts to brush and floss can help with this when you take the time to effectively clean at the base of your teeth. Generally speaking, you should give yourself time to clean this area and all others. Brushing for at least two minutes can help, and so can flossing with a vertical motion.
Your Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office Helps Patients Maintain Their Periodontal Health
At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, patients who are exhibiting signs of gingivitis are able to receive support through targeted periodontal care, in addition to the general dental health support that we provide. We are committed to helping people in and around our community avoid problems that might impact their smile, as well as their dental well-being. To learn more about us, call Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230.