What does effective periodontal care really do for you? By keeping yourself protected against gum disease, you can avoid developing an infection that increases your risk for tooth loss and threatens to cause complications for your general health. You can defend your gums through smart at-home care, and by staying consistent with your regular dental checkups. At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, patients are given special periodontal cleanings when they exhibit symptoms of gingivitis during their review. This cleaning targets the spaces beneath your gum line that a traditional cleaning will not address, which will protect you from further harm and give your tissues to recover.
1. Make Sure You Floss Every Day
The bacteria that build up between your teeth can infiltrate your gum line and cause issues with gingivitis. This is why flossing on a daily basis is recommended. When you clean between your teeth each day, you consistently remove harmful microbes from these spaces and stop infections from forming. If you only floss to remove food that is lodged between two teeth, these bacteria have more time to infiltrate your gums and create trouble for you.
2. Spend More Time Brushing To Make Sure Your Teeth Are Fully Cleaned
While brushing at least twice a day is important, remember that this habit is less effective if you are not thorough while cleaning your teeth. Take at least two minutes to make sure every part of every tooth is given adequate attention. Shorter sessions make you more likely to miss certain areas. If you are guilty of missing areas that are harder to reach, you can develop problems with tartar buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay!
3. Keep Up With Your Regular Dental Exams
While the routine you practice at home is important, you should recognize that your daily behaviors support but do not replace the preventive dental care provided at a checkup. During routine cleanings and evaluations, tartar buildup is removed, and your oral structures are closely examined for any signs of trouble. That can mean receiving a dental filling for a cavity that has formed without your realizing it, or treatment in the form of a periodontal cleaning to remove bacteria causing gingivitis. Unless you are told to do something different by your dentist, you should schedule these appointments on a semiannual basis.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Preventing Gum Disease
Our dentist’s office in Ankeny, IA is prepared to help patients protect their gums against infection. By avoiding gingivitis and gum disease, you lower your risk for tooth loss later in life, and you avoid general health complications that have been linked to periodontal infection. To find out more about our services, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
