Periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss for adults in the US. This is an infection of your gums that is caused by poor oral hygiene that leads to plaque buildup. Your team at Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, can help you prevent this infection by helping you improve your oral hygiene routine and providing deep cleanings when you need them.
Read more: How You Can Prevent Periodontal DiseaseDon’t Skip Flossing In Your Routine
An efficient oral hygiene routine is one of the best ways to prevent gingivitis, which is the first phase of periodontal disease. You should brush and floss twice a day to get rid of bacteria that may have accumulated throughout the day. Threading in between your teeth helps to remove food particles from spaces that your brush cannot reach, which in turn helps avoid plaque buildup and decreases the chances of bad breath, cavities, gum disease, and many other oral health problems. It’s recommended that you brush and floss at least once a day, but if you snack frequently throughout the day, this should be done more often. Adults with poor oral hygiene have a higher risk of developing periodontitis, so make sure to stick to a routine.
Checkups Help Monitor Changes In Your Oral Health
Biannual cleanings and examinations help prevent common dental health problems as well. When you come in for your twice-yearly visit, your dentist will examine your smile and look for any potential problems. Gingivitis is the first phase of periodontal disease and may show symptoms such as swollen or inflamed gums, redness, and bleeding. If you experience any of these signs, it could be an indication of an infection, and you may need a deeper cleaning. Your standard dental cleaning helps remove plaque buildup from your teeth, but a periodontal cleaning can help remove buildup from the roots of your teeth and below your gingival tissue.
Treating Gum Inflammation
If signs of gingivitis are noticed, your dentist will likely recommend that you come in for a deep cleaning as soon as possible. This includes a scaling and root planing treatment to remove plaque buildup and stop inflammation. Untreated gingivitis can progress into further stages of periodontitis which cannot be reversed. Patients with later phases of periodontal disease may need several of these cleanings done each year to help manage their symptoms. Gum health is linked to heart health, and this infection could potentially increase your risk of heart problems as well as oral health concerns like bad breath, tooth loss, and more.
Questions About Gum Health? Talk To Our Team
Protect your smile by keeping your teeth and gums clean. To schedule a periodontal service with Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA, call us today at (515) 965-0230.
