By paying attention to your smile, you can identify potential problems with your periodontal health that you do not want to ignore. Gingivitis is the first stage of a periodontal infection, a condition that can still be treated and reversed. Better daily care can help you fight the bacteria that have started to move under your gum line. You can also have a special periodontal cleaning performed at our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, which will see harmful microbes cleared away during a more involved dental cleaning that tends to portions of your teeth beneath your gum line. If gingivitis is not caught and treated in time, and your infection worsens, it will become more difficult to control, and it can ultimately affect your general health while also making you more vulnerable to tooth loss!
Gingivitis Is A Problem That You Should Take Seriously
While gingivitis can be fought with good hygiene habits at home and during regular dental exams, it is a problem that you should not disregard. When an infection forms, there will be a limited amount of time available to you to fight it. If too much time passes, your infection can worsen as bacteria continue to multiply and spread below your gums, leading to periodontitis. When periodontitis forms, it makes you susceptible to tooth loss as bacteria destroy the tissues that hold your teeth in place. This advanced case can also lead to the spread of bacteria to different parts of your body, creating new health concerns.
What Should I Look For If I Want To Check My Smile For Signs Of Gingivitis?
When you brush and floss your teeth, you should take a look at your gum line to see if there are any reasons to worry about the health of these tissues. Do you often bleed in the course of brushing and flossing? Have you noticed that your gums appear swollen or feel sensitive? These changes, along with the recession of your gum line, can serve as warnings that gingivitis is a problem for you. What you should also watch out for is a problem with bad breath, which can be connected to your infection.
How Regular Dental Exams Help You Avoid Periodontal Problems
At every regular dental exam, your dentist will check your smile closely for any problems that might require restorative dental work. Of course, we are concerned with more than just problems that require dental fillings and dental crowns! At each visit, you will be checked for any signs of poor periodontal health. If evidence of gingivitis is identified, we can arrange to have your teeth cleaned below the gum line to remove those bacteria responsible for your infection!
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office About Treatment For Gingivitis
Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is prepared to help patients who are concerned about their periodontal health. If you think gingivitis may be affecting you, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
