Your oral health includes both maintaining the well-being of your teeth and your gums. Your oral tissue acts as a protective barrier and holds your teeth in place. When they are not healthy, it can cause problems for your entire smile. Advanced stages of periodontal disease can lead to bad breath, tooth loss, and even physical health concerns as well. If you are experiencing symptoms of gingivitis, your team at Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, can offer deep cleanings to get your oral health back on track.
Signs Of Gingivitis
Every day, twice a day, you should be brushing and flossing. These steps help remove bacteria from inside your mouth that can lead to cavities and infection. If you tend to skip these steps, you may notice that you bleed when you floss. This could be due to inflammation or plaque buildup. Bleeding may not directly mean that you have gingivitis, but it is important to include this step to avoid this infection. If you begin to notice a change in color to your gums, persistent bad breath even after brushing your teeth, or loose teeth, these could be signs of gingivitis. It is important to see your dentist right away if you begin to experience these side effects, as deep cleanings will be necessary to help treat them.
Further Stages Of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease does not stop at gingivitis. If this initial phase is not treated with necessary cleanings, it can continue to progress. The next phase would be mild periodontitis. This includes the previous symptoms, and the tissue may begin to recede. At this point, your teeth may begin to feel loose. This is because the root has detached from the tissue line. After this, it can progress into moderate and then severe periodontitis. You may have discomfort or pain when chewing and can be at risk of tooth loss. Losing a tooth can cause your jaw to weaken.
While poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of developing periodontitis, some people are more at risk than others. People who smoke or use tobacco, have high stress or have certain health conditions may be more likely to develop gum disease.
Managing Periodontal Disease
More advanced stages of periodontal disease cannot be fully treated, but they can be managed with proper cleanings. These help remove plaque buildup from below the gums and reduce the chances of tooth loss. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may need several of these cleanings each year to help maintain it.
Come In For A Cleaning Today
Your gums play a vital role in your oral health. Schedule a checkup or periodontal cleaning by calling Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000.