If you are not taking your periodontal health seriously, you can make yourself vulnerable to potentially serious problems. While gingivitis is a reversible infection, one your Ankeny, IA dentist can address during a routine dental exam, gum disease can become a persistent concern for your overall well-being. In time, gum disease can worsen and begin to cause damage to the tissues that support your teeth. In addition to that issue, which can lead to tooth loss, periodontal problems can interfere with your ability to manage other conditions. It is important to watch out for gingivitis between appointments, and to schedule regular dental exams. Doing so will make it easier to recognize and address problems before they worsen.
1. Your Dentist Can Check Your Gums For Signs Of Gingivitis At A Routine Appointment
At every dental visit, your teeth are cleaned and closely studied. If your dentist identifies signs of poor periodontal health at your next checkup, you can receive a periodontal cleaning instead of a standard teeth cleaning. When this happens, your hygienist will take care to remove bacteria from beneath your gum line. Those bacteria that have already started to gather on the roots of your teeth can cause issues with your periodontal health. When these bacteria are removed, your gums can recover and return to good health!
2. Flossing Removes Bacteria That Can Cause Gingivitis
You protect your gums when you brush your teeth, but thorough preventive care calls for daily flossing, too. If you are not flossing on a regular basis, you can give bacteria between teeth time to build up, and that can lead to more problems with gingivitis. Even if you are confident that you have done enough to prevent problems by brushing alone, adding flossing to your daily routine can offer important benefits.
3. You Can Identify The Early Warning Signs Of Gingivitis Between Appointments
Unfortunately, it is possible for a cavity to form without your realizing it. However, your dentist can identify a cavity in its early stages and treat it with a dental filling. While gingivitis can escape a person’s notice, there are symptoms that you can watch out for if you want to make sure that your gums are healthy. One problems to look out for is gums that bleed easily. In addition to bleeding more often when you brush and floss, tissues can appear swollen or discolored. You can also experience more issues with halitosis, or bad breath, if you have problems with gingivitis.
Your Ankeny, IA Dentist Can Help You Maintain Healthy Gums
Through treatment at our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, you can avoid the long-term issues associated with advanced gum disease! You can also rely on preventive care for protection against cavities, tartar buildup, and other concerns. To find out more, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
