The health of your gums keeps your teeth in place and ensures an attractive and healthy smile. Which is why we want to help you and your family maintain good periodontal health! In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how we can help you improve your periodontal health, so your smile remains complete and comfortable.
The Causes of Poor Gum Health
What happens to cause poor gum health? When we don’t brush and floss daily, and have a high level of sugar and starch in our diets, this could create plaque buildup. This layer then hardens into tartar with time. Plaque and tartar could irritate and inflame the gums to cause gingivitis, and without treatment to reverse this inflammation, you could develop gum disease. Without treatment, periodontal disease will increase in severity with time, eventually reaching a stage known as periodontitis. At this point, the risk of tooth loss is much higher! But we can help. When you notice your gums feel sore, look red, and bleed easily, we want you to see us right away.
Help with a Scaling and Root Planing
Our team will conduct a detailed diagnosis with advanced digital imaging systems, so we can identify the presence of gingivitis or gum disease. If we find the presence of poor periodontal health, then our team could offer a deep cleaning to begin the process of managing it and keeping your smile full. Also known as a scaling and root planing, this involves using an ultrasonic scaling device, which emits gentle vibrations, to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, as well as the exposed roots. We then use a pick for any stubborn portions. This could take one visit or as many as two to four, depending on the extent of your buildup. We complete the process by polishing your teeth, which not only brightens them, but helps make it difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate before your next traditional cleaning, which we may recommend every three to four months.
Better Brushing and Flossing Habits
You can also help safeguard your smile with better brushing and flossing habits. You should brush in the morning and again in the evening for about two minutes, each time using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste with fluoride. You also need to floss every evening before bed. Try to avoid tobacco products too. If you have any questions about maintaining your oral health, or if you want to schedule a visit, then contact our team today.
Dental Impressions Offers Improved Periodontal Health
By managing your periodontal disease, we can help you enjoy a full smile. To learn more about boosting your oral health, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
