Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist may be habits that have already been ingrained into your life as essential routines. These steps are helpful ways to keep your breath fresh, avoid cavities, and prevent periodontal disease. If you do not regularly follow these steps, it is not too late to start them. Your Sunny Smiles Dentistry of El Paso, TX, is here today to remind you why these practices are important.
Taking A Closer Look At Your Oral Hygiene
We likely have all been taught how to brush and floss. You should be brushing at least twice a day and follow this up by threading in between each tooth with floss. These steps help rid bacteria and food particles from the food and beverages you have consumed throughout your day. If you often skip flossing, you may find that on the occasions you remember to do it, you may bleed or feel tender. This could be due to having inflamed tissue or a buildup of plaque. If this happens to you, it is important to see your dentist for a checkup. Swollen gums may be a sign of gingivitis, and deep cleanings will be necessary to reverse this infection.
Treating Gingivitis Before It Progresses
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. This is often characterized by a change in the color of your gum tissue, bleeding, or sensitivity in the area. If this is not caught in time, the infection will continue to progress. Mild periodontitis can include the previous symptoms and potentially receding tissue. If the infection reaches moderate periodontitis, you may experience that your teeth feel sensitive, loose, and even bone loss. The final stage, advanced periodontitis, includes all of the previously mentioned symptoms and can cause discomfort. Unfortunately, this condition cannot be fully treated, but it can be managed with routine deep cleanings.
Periodontal Services Can Help Manage Your Symptoms
If caught early, gingivitis can be treated and reversed. This can be accomplished through a series of deep cleanings which include scaling and root planing. During this, the area below the gumline will be cleaned and plaque buildup will be removed. Then, your dentist will use a gentle tool to help smooth the tissue line. These steps will help promote the root of the tooth to reattach to the tissue, which will prevent tooth loss. Depending on the severity of your infection, you may need a few of these appointments over the span of a few months to get your condition under control. For patients whose periodontal disease has reached later stages, deep cleanings can help maintain their symptoms and prevent them from progressing further.
It is Time For Your Next Checkup
If it has been longer than six months since your last appointment, we are ready to see you again. To schedule your visit, call Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000.