Are you currently taking good care of your gums, or are you currently vulnerable to problems with gingivitis? Gingivitis is the first stage of an infection that forms when oral bacteria build up below your gum line and create problems for your periodontal tissues. There are several signs that an infection has formed you should watch out for – your gums may bleed easily when you clean your teeth, tissue swelling can occur, and chronic bad breath can become an issue. While good habits at home help to prevent and fight gingivitis, you should also remember that your dentist is able to help you deal with an infection. At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, we can perform a scaling and root planing to remove the bacteria that have moved and spread below your gum line. Routine preventive appointments will also help you avoid future troubles with gingivitis.
Gingivitis Is A Problem You Should Not Take Lightly
You should take action if you think you are currently dealing with gingivitis. Ignoring the problem or putting off care will give the infection time to worsen, which can have long-term consequences. Over time, an infection can worsen and become difficult to properly manage. If this happens, the bacteria will attack the tissues that hold your teeth in place, raising your risk for suffering tooth loss. There are also concerning links between poor periodontal health and poor overall health.
We Can Provide A Focused Periodontal Cleaning During Your Appointment
If your dentist sees evidence of gingivitis during a routine dental exam, a scaling and root planing can take place to fight the infection and restore the health of these tissues. This treatment, also called a periodontal cleaning, will remove the bacteria that are present on the roots of teeth below your gum line. These are spaces that a traditional teeth cleaning will not reach. When performed, it will give your gums time to heal from infection and return to good health.
Keep Up With Good Preventive Habits Between Appointments
As important as it is to take advantage of the preventive dental services that are available to you, it is also important that you defend your smile between every appointment. Thoroughly brushing and flossing each day will fight the accumulation of bacteria and food debris that can lead to plaque and tartar buildup. By taking care of the space where your teeth and gums meet, your routine will keep you safe from the potential development of gingivitis.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Your Issues With Gingivitis
Through good preventive habits and regular dental exams, you can keep your smile safe against gum disease as well as cavities. To find out how you can find reliable preventive dental services in the Ankeny,a IA area, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
