A proper approach to oral hygiene places importance on maintaining the health of your gum tissues as well as your teeth! This is because your gums provide the critical connection between your teeth and jaw that hold them secure. Healthy gums provide a seal that prevents oral bacteria from accessing and infecting your bone below. If your gums begin to recede or infected, your entire oral health can go downhill fast. Fortunately, in its beginning stages, gum disease can be completely reversed, so pay attention to the signs of the disease. Bad breath that will not go away after you brush can indicate a current infection. Left untreated, a permanent infection takes hold in your jawbone and can eventually lead to the loss of teeth.
At your Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, your routine cleaning and examinations are crucial to maintaining healthy gums. When you come in for a semiannual visit, we check your gum tissue for infection or recession and provide proper treatment when it is needed. The removal of plaque at each cleaning treats the source of gum disease in addition to helping you prevent tooth decay. Remember that since infection can be reversed if caught early, let us know as soon as you detect a symptom of gingivitis!
Strengthening Your Gums With Dental Checkups
The main behavior that keeps your gums strong is the daily oral hygiene routine you perform to remove bacterial plaque and clean your oral structures. This is because the same bacteria that cause your enamel to erode can infect your gum tissues and cause gum disease. Your six-month checkup provides your dentist the opportunity to inspect the results of your brushing and flossing and remove deposits that you cannot treat on your own at home. Sticking to your routine cleaning schedule can prevent many cases of infection from happening as well as detect them and lead to a more involved treatment when necessary.
Treating Gum Disease With Periodontal Therapy
When a case of gum disease reaches an advanced state, we can place you on a periodontal maintenance schedule to provide service beyond the scope of a standard cleaning. A deep cleaning can go below the gum line to access and remove pockets of bacteria that contribute to your inflamed disease state. While advanced disease requires continual maintenance, these procedures can stop the disease from becoming worse.
Speak With Your Ankeny, IA, Dental Team About Caring For Your Gums!
When you take care of your gums, you keep your healthy smile in place! By visiting your dentist regularly, you remove the root cause of gum disease and help prevent this common cause of lost teeth. To schedule a visit, call your Ankeny, IA, dentist’s office at 515-207-6182. We also serve patients who live in Alleman, Elkhart, Bondurant, and all surrounding communities as well!
