When you think of your oral hygiene routine, what comes to mind? Routine dental checkups are one great way to keep your smile healthy. You should also be practicing prevention at home, too. This includes brushing your teeth and flossing. These simple steps can help reduce your chances of gum disease, cavities, and more. If you are concerned about your oral health, the team at Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, also offers periodontal services.
Read more: Are You Taking Proper Care Of Your Gums?Your Periodontal Health Is Vital
Have you ever wondered what the purpose of your gingival tissue is? It helps hold your teeth in place and can protect your body from harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream. It is essential to keep this tissue healthy to avoid infections, tooth loss, and many other potential problems. To protect your gums, make sure that you are brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. Unfortunately, brushing alone does not keep your smile bacteria-free. You should follow this step up by threading between each tooth with dental floss. It is estimated that at least one-third of Americans do not do this consistently. Skipping this step is harmful because it can put you at risk of developing gingivitis.
Signs Of Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis is the first stage of this disease. This may be seen with symptoms such as swollen tissue, bleeding when you try to floss, or a change in the color of the tissue. If your dentist recognizes these signs, they will likely recommend that you get a deep cleaning done. This is a more in-depth service than the one done during your checkup. The area below your gumline will be cleaned and plaque will be removed. If this is not done promptly, gingivitis can progress into the next stage of infection. Unfortunately, further phases of this may not be reversible. Your symptoms can be maintained with consistent scaling and root planings.
Restoring Your Smile After A Gum Infection
Serious cases of periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and several other health problems. If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to get started on a treatment plan. Once the infection is in a manageable state, you can begin to discuss restoration options. If you have lost a tooth due to this condition, it may be able to be replaced with the help of a dental bridge or other prosthetic. Your gums and existing teeth will need to be in good health before the restoration process can begin.
Learn More About Periodontal Health Today
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our team, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, today at 515-965-0230.
