When oral bacteria develop plaque, they cling to your teeth and gums, producing toxins that can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, chronic bad breath, and more. Routine dental cleanings can typically clean away this plaque, but when bacteria work their way underneath your gums, a regular cleaning may not be enough. Periodontal cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a deeper cleaning process that involves carefully cleaning bacteria from the roots of your teeth so your gums can heal. If serious gum disease develops, then you may also need regular periodontal maintenance to keep your gums healthy and reduce your risks of complications, such as tooth loss.
The Importance of Healthy Gums
The gums that surround the roots of your teeth also protect those roots from irritants like oral bacteria. Gum disease erodes that protection by attacking your gum tissues, and in severe cases, it can lead to tooth loss. However, losing teeth isn’t the only complication associated with gum disease. When left untreated, the rampant inflammation can also increase your risk of other inflammatory conditions, including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and more. Preventing gum disease, or treating it promptly if it develops, can help you save your smile as well as lower your risks of health complications in the future.
Keep Your Gums Healthy
Your periodontal health plays a significant role in your long-term oral health, as well as your overall systemic wellbeing. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, today at 816-897-4288.