How Do You Maintain Good Gum Health?
December 26, 2019
Our gums not only frame your smile, but they also keep our teeth stable and in place. Which means when our periodontal health suffers, serious complications may arise, such as soreness, bleeding, and yes, tooth loss. In order to avoid periodontal disease, (or successfully manage it) you need routine care both at home and in office. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO, dentist talks about maintaining good gum health!
The Impact of Gum Disease
The disease starts as inflammation, become more severe as the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth to form exposed pockets, which harmful bacteria enter. The causes of the initial inflammation vary, but are often linked to poor oral hygiene, plaque buildup, cigarettes and tobacco use, certain medications, family history of periodontal problems, and inflammatory illnesses. Over time, the disease will grow more severe. People may notice sore, red gums that bleed easily. In the later stages, the connective tissue between the teeth and gingival tissue could break down, causing tooth loss.
Prevention at Home
To avoid tooth loss, you should take steps to protect yourself from the disease. Plaque buildup, which occurs when bacteria break down food particles and coats the teeth in a sticky layer, could inflame the gum tissue. Brushing and flossing daily helps prevent serious buildup, and a regular visit for cleanings helps remove the layers from the teeth completely. You should also avoid smoking, and let your dentist know if you have an inflammatory illness or take certain medications linked to periodontal health complications. At home, try to eat a healthier diet, which deprives harmful bacteria of the sugary and starchy particles they crave.
Preventive Treatments
Treatment can reverse inflammation or help manage the early stages of gum disease to prevent tooth loss. If you experience the warning signs we’ve discussed above, we may suggest scaling and root planing, which enables our team to remove plaque from both the tooth surfaces and the roots in one to four visits, depending on the extent of the buildup. We also have options to address more severe stages and restore the health and function of your smile. Don’t let poor gum health lead to missing teeth and other complications, talk to our team if you notice any changes to your smile. We would love to see you before the year ends, helping you start 2020 with a healthier and stronger smile!
Do You Have Questions About Periodontal Health?
We would love to help you enjoy optimal oral health and avoid the onset of serious complications such as periodontal disease. To learn more about our approach to preventive dentistry, then please schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.