When you think about oral health, what comes to mind? For many people, the well-being of their teeth may be the first thing they think of. But your gums are a vital part of your smile, too. Your El Paso, TX, dentist offers preventive care to avoid problems such as periodontal disease. We also have periodontal treatment that can help manage symptoms of the infection when you need it.
How To Care For Your Gums
Your oral hygiene routine helps to keep both your teeth and your gingival tissue healthy. This includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Brushing helps remove bacteria from your oral cavity, and flossing gets rid of food particles that can accumulate in the spaces between your teeth. These basic steps help prevent the creation of harmful bacteria that can lead to cavities and periodontal disease.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also contribute to your gum health. Remember to eat a well-balanced diet, avoid smoking or using tobacco, and come in for a regular checkup twice a year. People who use tobacco, have high stress, and have poor oral hygiene are more likely to develop gum disease.
Signs Of Periodontal Disease
As a general rule, you should visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and examination. These visits provide a thorough removal of plaque that your toothbrush cannot get rid of. In addition to this, early signs of problems can be detected through a visual examination or with X-rays. Concerns such as gingivitis may be noticed if your gingival tissue is inflamed or has a color change. If your dentist recognizes this, they can create a helpful treatment plan that can reverse gingivitis. When left untreated, gingivitis can progress into further stages of periodontal disease which cannot be reversed. Moderate to severe phases may include your teeth feeling loose or sensitive or may result in total loss of your tooth.
Scaling And Root Planing Help Manage The Infection
When signs of a gum infection are noticed, your dentist may recommend having deep cleanings done. These are more thorough than the ones done during your checkup. Your dentist will perform a scaling, which focuses on removing plaque buildup from below the gingival tissue line where the infection occurs. Planing will also be done to help the root of your tooth to reattach to the gums. Removing this buildup can help keep your symptoms under control and prevent them from worsening. You may need to have several of these planned throughout the year to avoid the infection from entering a later stage.
Do You Need A Periodontal Cleaning?
To schedule a scaling and root planing appointment, or another treatment, call Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000.