When you start to discover just how harmful gum disease can be if it is not properly managed, you can grow understandably concerned with how to avoid this problem. Your first line of defense is through your oral hygiene routine. Daily brushing and flossing efforts fight the buildup of bacteria that can cause problems with gingivitis to start. In addition to taking care of your periodontal health at home, you can count on your Ankeny, IA dentist to protect you against problems. During regular reviews, Dr. Foust will look out for evidence of poor health. If problems are identified, we can recommend a deep cleaning to remove the harmful microbes that are accumulated on the roots of your teeth.
How Gum Disease Impacts Your Smile And Health
There are potentially serious issues linked to gum disease that can affect your appearance and well-being. You may not realize it, but protecting yourself against periodontal problems protects you against the threat of tooth loss. A severe infection can cause worsening harm to the tissues that hold teeth in place. As time passes, that destruction can lead to teeth becoming insecure, which means that they will need to be extracted or may even fall out on their own. Another concern is that bacteria buildup below your gum line can lead to problems in other areas when microbes enter your bloodstream.
What You Can Do To Prevent Gum Disease At Home
On a consistent daily basis, you should thoroughly brush and floss your teeth. By doing so, you keep the bacteria that can gather on the surfaces of your enamel from building up and making trouble for your smile. The microbes on our teeth can cause cavities to form, as they will release harmful acids after digesting portions of food debris left on your smile. When unwelcome microbes start to build up at the gum line, they can move down to your roots and cause issues for your periodontal health. Make sure you brush at least twice a day and floss at least once. By doing this, you create a strong line of defense against yourself and the threat of poor gum health!
How Regular Dental Exams Protect Your Periodontal Health
At a routine dental exam, Dr. Foust has the opportunity to look out for any problems with your oral health that might need attention. One problem that we watch for is the onset of gum disease. In its initial stage, gingivitis, the problem is still reversible. We can recommend that you undergo a deep cleaning that targets bacteria that are present beneath your gum line in order to keep this problem from worsening.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Preventing Gum Disease
Through the effective prevention of gum disease, you can avoid potentially serious problems that can hurt your smile and oral health! If you would like to find out more, please contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
