The bacterial infection of your gums known as periodontal disease is the number one cause of missing teeth for adults. This is because your gingival tissues play a primary role in securing your teeth to your jaw, but when the disease advances, this connection can falter. As the gums recede and your bone disintegrates, teeth become loose and may require removal. Therefore, preserving your gums is key to maintaining the overall health of your entire smile. When you prioritize your oral hygiene habits at home and by visiting your dentist, you can remove bacterial deposits that threaten to infect your gums.
At your Ankeny, IA, dentist’s office, routine checkups grant us the ability to protect and observe your gingival health. Regular cleanings remove decay-causing plaque and tartar deposits that also cause periodontal disease. At each appointment, we check for symptoms of an existing infection such as inflammation and bad breath. If we detect the presence of disease, we can provide a special treatment called periodontal deep cleaning. This can reverse the disease in its initial stage or prevent its progression when it reaches a more advanced permanent state. To increase your chances of reversal, do not wait to notify our office whenever you notice a symptom at home!
Best Practices For Healthy Gums
Because periodontal disease is irreversible once it reaches your jawbone, practicing healthy habits to prevent infection is of primary importance! Be sure to attend your checkups and cleanings at our office twice per year and keep the following habits in mind:
- Brush your teeth twice per day
- Floss between each tooth to your gumline once per day
- Limit sugary food and beverages that contribute to plaque formation
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables that reduce inflammation
- Avoid tobacco use
Special Treatment For Infected Gums
If we discover the presence of gum disease at your standard checkup, we can place you on a periodontal maintenance schedule that goes beyond general cleanings and examinations. We can perform deep cleanings known as scaling and root planing that remove bacterial deposits both above and below your gum line. This can eliminate symptoms such as bleeding and inflammation while preventing disease progression that may lead to the loss of your teeth. While your maintenance schedule may require more than your standard two visits per year, this valuable service is vital once disease sets in.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA, Dental Team About Caring For Your Gums!
The same healthy habits that help you prevent cavities can protect the health of your gums, but when infection strikes, professional care must intervene. This means that periodontal treatment from your trusted dentist can help stave off the number one cause of missing 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!
