If you have issues with periodontal health, this could lead to discomfort and even the risk of tooth loss. But our team can help with treatments like scaling and root planing! In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how we improve your periodontal health, so you avoid discomfort and missing teeth down the road!
The Causes of Poor Gum Health
What causes poor gum health? When we have a diet high in sugar and starch, which is pretty common during the holiday season, this provides food for harmful bacteria. As bacteria consume these, this creates plaque buildup that coats the teeth and inflames the gums, causing gingivitis. This can be exacerbated by factors like tobacco use or poor brushing and flossing habits. These factors lead to sore, red, and bleeding gums. Without treatment to reverse gum disease, this can mean the gums pull back from the teeth and provide pockets for disease-causing bacteria to enter. Once you have gum disease, there is no cure, but routine care can manage it so you avoid discomfort and the risk of missing teeth!
The Risks Periodontal Disease Poses
How does periodontal disease cause you to lose your natural teeth? When the disease progresses to the periodontitis stage, this means attachment loss as the connective tissues between your teeth and gums deteriorate, leading to loose and missing teeth. In fact, this is the number one cause of tooth loss! But also, the recession of the gums could mean the teeth appear long and uneven, altering the appearance of your smile in negative ways. But we can help with treatments to improve your periodontal health, so let us know right away when your gums feel sore, look red, and bleed easily or recede!
Treatment Options
Often, we can start your treatment with a deep cleaning known as a scaling and root planing. The process involves our team using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick to remove harmful buildup from the teeth and the exposed roots, as well as from beneath the gum line. The process could take one visit or several, it all depends on the severity of your buildup. We will numb your smile to ensure you remain comfortable, and polish your teeth afterward to make it more difficult for plaque and tartar buildup to accumulate. To manage the issue, we could suggest traditional cleanings every three to four months, as well as a better diet and improved oral hygiene habits.
If you have any questions, contact our team today!
Dental Impressions Talks About Periodontal Health
We want to help you enjoy a full smile by improving your gum health. To schedule an appointment for gum treatment, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
