When you take steps to maintain good periodontal health, you can avoid disease and the risk of eventual tooth loss. Which is why when you have sore or bleeding gums, we want you to see us right away! In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how we ensure good periodontal health.
The Causes and Warning Signs of Gum Disease
What causes an issue like gum disease, and how will you know when to see our team to improve your periodontal health? The disease could be caused by factors like a diet high in sugar and starch, combined with poor brushing and flossing habits, as these factors create plaque buildup, a layer that coats the teeth and irritates the gums. Smoking and tobacco use is also a factor in inflammation, as is a family history of gum troubles or the presence of inflammatory illnesses, including diabetes.
If you experience any changes to your gums, this is cause for a visit. For example, warning signs of gingivitis and even the early stages of gum disease could include sore, red, and bleeding gums, swelling, or even gum recession, which makes teeth appear longer than usual. When you notice these changes to your gums, don’t ignore them, instead contact our team right away for a diagnosis and to discuss possible solutions!
The Deep Cleaning
To help improve periodontal health, our team may recommend a scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning. With this option, we will numb the smile to ensure your comfort as we gently remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth and the exposed roots, and from beneath the gums as well. This is done with an ultrasonic scaling device, which emits gentle vibrations to remove the buildup. We also have a manual pick for stubborn portions of tartar. The last step is to polish the teeth to limit the ability for buildup to form before your next appointment for a cleaning. This could take one visit for some, or as many as four if you have severe buildup.
Management From Home
Following your procedure, we will suggest seeing our team for a routine cleaning every three to four months to control inflammation and buildup, so your smile stays comfortable and healthy. At home, you need to brush and floss daily, cut back on sugar and starch in your diet, and of course, avoid tobacco products of all kinds. If you have any questions about boosting your periodontal health, or about our deep cleanings or improving your homecare habits, then talk to our team today.
Dental Impressions Offers Improved Gum Health
Our team is ready to help manage your gum health so you can avoid disease and tooth loss. To schedule an appointment for periodontal health, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
