When you learn from the dentist that you have gum disease, it can be upsetting. Fortunately, modern treatments can help you manage this condition when you pay close enough attention to your oral hygiene and maintenance schedule. Common symptoms of an infection include sore tissue, bleeding whenever brushing or flossing, and chronic bad breath. If you have one of these signs, do not wait to tell your dentist until your next appointment. Instead, schedule a meeting right away to have them take a look at your smile. In its first stage, gingivitis is reversible, so the earlier you see the dentist, the more likely you can cure the infection. However, when the disease reaches your jawbone, it becomes permanent and must be managed for life. A periodontal therapy session could include a planing and root scaling procedure that lifts the gum line to clear bacterial deposits beneath.
At your Ankeny, IA, dental practice, we encourage a regular visitation schedule to help you prevent oral threats such as tooth decay and gum disease. If it has been longer than you would like to admit since your last checkup, remember it’s never too late to get back on track! Routine exams help us diagnose oral problems early in their development, increasing the likelihood of successful recovery. In today’s blog, we will cover what you should do to prevent and manage a gum infection.
Reduce The Likelihood Of Gum Infection With Regular Dental Checkups
If you notice bad breath that will not go away, or bleeding when you brush your teeth, tell us at once! These signs indicate an infection that will not go away on its own. Gum disease results from irritants that cause the body’s inflammatory response to recede the gums in an attempt to escape. The most common contributing factor for an infection is bacterial plaque caked to the surface of your teeth. By maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine, and visiting the dentist every six months, you can keep a fresh mouth, reducing your likelihood of infection.
Keep Gum Disease In Check With Periodontal Maintenance Therapy
When we discover a gum infection during your exam, we will recommend treatments and at-home strategies to help manage the disease. Gum infections are the primary cause of missing teeth for adults, so getting them under control is key to preserving your healthy smile. Beyond standard dental cleaning, we offer periodontal maintenance techniques that can clean under your gums. By lifting the tissue, we clear pockets of bacteria that contribute to your body’s inflammation.
Speak With Your Ankeny, IA, Dental Team About Treatment For Gum Disease
If you would like to learn more about our periodontal maintenance services or any other we offer, please call your Ankeny, IA, dentist’s office at 515-207-6182 to schedule a visit today.
