The work you do to prevent cavities can—and should—also protect your gums against the onset of gingivitis. Brushing and flossing are effective at fighting the bacteria that cause periodontal problems. With that said, to make sure these tissues remain healthy, you should take care to fully clean your smile, and you should also take advantage of the preventive services provided during routine oral health exams. Your Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is ready to help you protect your gums. If you show signs of an infection at your appointment, we can even help you recover by providing a special periodontal cleaning.
Regular Checkups Help You Prevent More Than Just Cavities
At every regular dental exam, we look into more than just possible problems with tooth decay. Cavities are still a real concern, and a common threat, but they are not the only issue that can negatively impact your well-being. Gum disease is another threat that you should take seriously. In time, bacteria that gather at the base of your teeth can make their way under your gums and cause gingivitis. When this occurs, you will need to take action, because that infection will gradually grow worse, which will make it more difficult to treat. Eventually, the problem can call for specialized care. Serious periodontal problems can make it difficult for you to avoid tooth loss, and it can complicate the way that you manage other health conditions.
How In-Office Care Helps You Manage Gingivitis
At an appointment where we observe signs of gingivitis, we will recommend a periodontal cleaning instead of a standard teeth cleaning. The difference between the two is that we will target the roots of your teeth for cleaning in order to remove bacteria responsible for your infection. The treatment gives your gums a chance to heal, and it can also make it harder for new bacteria to gather.
Protecting Your Periodontal Health At Home
So what can you do to make sure that you show up to your next appointment free from both cavities and gum disease? Problems with gum disease can be prevented when you brush and floss, but you need to make sure that you clean thoroughly at the gum line, and that you take care to floss on a daily basis. You should also watch out for evidence that gingivitis is starting to become a concern. Look out for issues like swollen or discolored tissues, bleeding when you clean your teeth, and changes in your gum line.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist To Schedule Preventive Care
Better preventive care will help you avoid difficulties with both your dental and periodontal health. To learn more about our role in protecting your smile, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
