Tooth loss could be caused by a number of issues, but untreated gum disease is the most common cause! Fortunately, by securing good gum health, our team can help ensure your smile stays whole and healthy. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about fighting tooth loss with good gum health, with tips to keep your smile healthy and strong.
Gingivitis and Gum Disease
Gingivitis refers to inflammation in the gums, which can be caused by factors like plaque buildup, a diet high in sugar, poor brushing and flossing habits, inflammatory illness, and tobacco products. Without treatment to reverse the initial inflammation, this can grow more severe until the tissues pull away from the teeth and form pockets at the gum line for disease-causing bacteria to enter. You now have periodontal disease, which cannot be cured, but we can manage it to help you avoid the periodontitis stage, which is linked to adult tooth loss.
Tooth Loss
When disease reaches the more advanced stage, or periodontitis, this severs the tissues connecting the teeth and gums. The teeth become loose and eventually lost, and the jawbone around them begins to weaken, which only causes further tooth loss and an older appearance. In fact, periodontal concerns are the most common cause of adult tooth loss! But our team can help protect your smile, managing the disease and improving your periodontal health.
Improving Periodontal Health
Our team could conduct a scaling and root planing to help with the earlier stages of the disease. With this option, we use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick to remove all plaque and tartar from both the teeth and the exposed roots. This could take one visit or multiple ones, depending on the severity of your buildup. We then polish the teeth and may recommend a traditional cleaning every three to four months. Our team could also discuss treatments to help manage more advanced stages too.
At home, you could practice better oral hygiene habits, such as improved brushing and flossing. Cutting back on sugar and starch in your diet and avoiding tobacco products is helpful too. If you have any questions about how to improve your periodontal health, or if you would like to schedule a visit to talk about any symptoms you are experiencing, then contact our team today to get started. These tissues frame your smile and support your teeth, keeping them healthy means keeping your smile full and strong!
Dental Impressions Talks About Boosting Your Periodontal Health
Our team wants to help improve your periodontal health, whether you need a cleaning or more substantial treatment options. To schedule your appointment for treatment, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
