You might not think about it often, but your mouth is a rather vulnerable part of your body. Whenever you speak, breathe, eat, or drink, you expose your mouth to bacteria in your environment. Because you are constantly performing one of these activities, exposure lasts throughout the day and into the night while you sleep. The foods and drinks you consume leave residue that feed bacterial growth. Without timely treatment and preventative care, bacterial buildup can lead to infection of your gums and eventually cause tooth loss. Your gums cannot regrow after injury, so it is highly important to practice healthy behaviors that protect them such as daily brushing and flossing. Talk to your Ankeny, IA dentist to receive important information on preserving your periodontal health. We examine the state of your gums at each routine cleaning and can provide advanced treatment whenever infection is present.
The Importance Of Regular Examination
Your gums protect your teeth by forming a tight seal that holds them in place in your jaw. The seal prevents outside bacteria from entering deep into your underlying tissues. When the gums become infected, the tissues can recede and compound further damage to the teeth and jawbone. To prevent infection, you should practice regular daily care and attend routine cleanings and examinations. Meeting with your dentist allows us to identify signs of infection that you may not notice on your own. We also carefully clean your teeth and remove harmful tartar deposits that you cannot remove with your brush at home. The combination of daily brushing and flossing with semiannual dental checkups is key to keeping your gums as healthy as possible.
How Periodontal Disease Impacts Your Oral Health
An infection of your gums can greatly reduce the quality of your smile. Gum disease causes the tissues to become red and puffy from inflammation. Your mouth can bleed repeatedly each morning after brushing your teeth. Bacterial growth creates a strong, unpleasant odor on your breath as well. At advanced stages of the disease, the density of your jawbone reduces. As infection destroys your supportive tissues, your teeth begin to shift from their original place. They become loose and may eventually fall out. Use this information to practice habits that prevent gum disease from taking hold. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, avoid smoking. Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and rich in vegetables and fruits to maintain your health.
Meet your Ankeny, IA Dental Team and Maintain Your Gum Health
Routine cleaning and examination are key steps in preserving your gum health. Our staff is highly qualified to identify and treat existing infection of the periodontal tissue. To schedule an appointment and seek more information, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA at 515-207-6182. Additionally, we serve patients who live in Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities.
