What comes to mind when you think of your oral health? For many patients, the first thing they think of is their teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day is an essential part of caring for your smile, but there are other important steps to include. It’s important to take care of your gums by flossing each day to prevent plaque buildup. Today, your team at Sunny Smiles is here to remind you to take care of your gums!
Good Oral Hygiene Starts At Home
As mentioned earlier, you should brush and floss twice a day to keep your smile cavity-free and protect your gum health. Brushing your teeth helps remove food particles and bacteria that can accumulate throughout the day. Ideally, you should brush after each meal but twice a day will suffice if you do not have time to do this. Follow this step with flossing to remove food particles from between your teeth.
It’s important that you see your dentist regularly for checkups, too. As a general rule, these visits should take place every six months. Your hygienist will clean and polish your teeth to remove plaque. X-rays or other imaging may be taken to get a closer look at your oral cavity. These examinations can help detect problems like periodontal disease, decay, and other concerns early. Issues like tooth decay can be addressed with restorative treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms like swollen or red tissue, it could be a sign of an infection. It’s important that this is treated as soon as possible to prevent the progression of the infection.
Deep Cleanings Can Help You Manage Symptoms
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. This can occur due to poor oral hygiene when plaque accumulates along the gumline. You may notice that your oral tissue is swollen, red, or you bleed when you floss. If detected and treated in time, this infection can be reversed. However, if it is left untreated, it can turn into irreversible stages of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can be managed with scheduled deep cleanings.
These deep cleanings include scaling and root planing to remove plaque buildup and promote the reattachment of the gingival tissue to the root of your tooth. These treatments can help prevent your gums from receding which can result in tooth loss. Periodontal disease can have several negative implications on your overall well-being. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults today and may also be linked to heart disease. To prevent this infection, remember to floss daily and prioritize your gum health.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team
Are you experiencing symptoms of a gum infection? Schedule a deep cleaning with Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, today by calling us at 915.759.7000.