A lack of proper oral hygiene and other factors could not only increase the risk of oral health issues for your teeth, but your gums as well! While Centers for Disease Control (CDC) studies show half of adults over the age of 30 have periodontal disease, often routine care at home and in our office can help prevent the disease, or manage it successfully. In today’s blog, your Olathe, KS, dentist looks at how we improve your gum health.
The Causes and Dangers of Poor Gum Health
When we don’t care for our smiles on a daily basis, this could cause food particles to remain lodged between our teeth. As bacteria consume these particles, this leads to plaque buildup coating the smile. Plaque irritates and inflames gum tissues, leading to gingivitis and an increased risk of gum disease. While this is the most common cause of periodontal trouble, other possible causes include inflammatory illnesses, the use of certain medications, a family history of poor gum health, and the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products. While gingivitis can be reversed, gum disease cannot. Unless managed with regular treatment, this could cause periodontitis to form, a stage linked with adult tooth loss!
Warning Signs
You should let us know when you notice any changes to your gum tissues, include soreness, redness, recession, swelling, or bleeding when you brush and floss. The sooner you alert our team, the sooner we can examine your smile and offer treatment to either reverse the initial inflammation, or to help prevent the disease from reaching advanced stages that require more extensive treatment.
Deep Cleanings and Other Preventive Options
To start, we may recommend a scaling and root planing. Also known as a deep cleaning, this procedure involves using an ultrasonic scaler to remove all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of both the teeth and roots. Depending on the extent of your buildup, this could take one visit or up to four. We then polish the teeth thoroughly. Every three to four months afterward, we will perform a routine cleaning to control plaque and tartar and keep a close eye on your periodontal health. At home, you can help by avoiding tobacco products, and brushing and flossing daily to remove trapped food particles. If you have any questions about periodontal maintenance, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Treating Periodontal Disease?
Our team employs general and preventive care to help improve the function, stability, and beauty of your smile. For more information on our preventive treatment options, or to schedule a dental consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, and all surrounding communities.