We often talk about how we protect your teeth with cleanings, bruxism treatment, and more. But your gum health is essential too, especially if you want to avoid tooth loss! In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how to keep smiles whole by improving periodontal health.
The Causes of Periodontal Disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control, half of adults over the age of 30 suffer from some stage of periodontal disease. These widespread issues develop when the gums become inflamed, and without treatment to manage it, the risk of tooth loss increases. In fact, this is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. Factors behind inflammation and the disease include poor oral hygiene habits, a diet high in sugar and starch, a family history of the disease, inflammatory illnesses, the use of certain medications, and tobacco use. Warning signs could include sore, red, and bleeding gums. Don’t ignore these issues, see our team right away!
Help with a Deep Cleaning
We often start the treatment process with a scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning. The procedure involves using the same ultrasonic scaling device we employed as part of our dental cleanings. The device emits gentle vibrations to allow us to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and the roots, and from beneath the gum line too. We also have a manual pick to remove any stubborn portions. Since this is more involved than a traditional cleaning, we can often numb the area beforehand or even offer sedation. The procedure could take one visit or as many as four, depending on the overall severity of your buildup. The last step is to polish the teeth for a brighter appearance and to limit how much plaque and tartar can accumulate before you see us again.
Continuing Care at Home
Along with a routine cleaning every three to four months to keep the buildup controlled, our team recommends better oral hygiene at home to protect your smile as well. You should take time to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every evening, and you should also cut back on the sugar and starch in your diet. Try to avoid tobacco products too, and eat a healthier diet. These actions can not only protect your gums, but your teeth too!
If you have any questions about how we help improve periodontal health for our patients, then contact our team today to learn more.
Dental Impressions Provides Healthier Gums
We want to help you smile with confidence again, and that means keeping your gums healthy and strong! To schedule an appointment for a general dentistry, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
