Are you maintaining proper periodontal health? If you’re not familiar with the term “periodontal,” it refers to your gums. While your teeth tend to get much of the attention when it comes to brushing and flossing, your gums are also a crucial component in your overall oral health. This oral tissue is susceptible to infection, just like your teeth, so you must ensure that you’re taking proper care of your gums. What, exactly, does proper periodontal care look like? It’s easier than you might think to care for your gums. The key is consistency, and knowing how to spot a potential problem.
A Strong Periodontal Care Routine Looks Familiar
If you’re already taking good care of your teeth, you’re well on your way to establishing a periodontal care routine. The same daily cleaning steps can keep your teeth and gums healthy, it’s just a matter of attention. Are you brushing twice per day and flossing daily? Start with this step. If you’re already doing this, then make sure you give as much attention to your gums as you do your teeth. Brush along the gum line and direct your strokes away from the gum line, to remove bacteria from the area. Bacterial buildup in this area is what leads to infection.
How Do Periodontal Issues Develop?
Are you aware of how cavities form? When you forget to brush your teeth and visit your dentist, the bacteria on the surfaces of your teeth build up and become more resistant. As they grow, the bacteria produce acid that forms a hole in your tooth, known as a “cavity.” That same bacteria can cause harm to your gum tissue as well. Bacteria that build up near and beneath the gum line cause prolonged infection and inflammation. The initial stage is known as “gingivitis,” and it’s characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. If you notice these symptoms, contact your dentist right away.
An Absence of Proper Periodontal Care Leads to Big Problems
An untreated cavity will grow over time. Eventually, it can lead to an infected root canal and even tooth loss. Gum disease compounds over time as well. Gingivitis can usually be treated and reversed with a process called scaling and root planing. If it’s left unchecked, however, gingivitis will eventually become periodontitis, a condition that causes your jawbone itself to lose mass. This condition is treatable, but not reversible, meaning you’ll have to manage it throughout your life to avoid tooth loss.
Visit Your Advanced Dental Concepts as Part of Your Periodontal Care Routine
In addition to home cleanings, make sure you’re visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup. If you’re experiencing pain or swelling in your gums, make an appointment as soon as possible. The sooner you catch a problem like gingivitis, the better your outcome will be. To schedule treatment at Advanced Dental Concepts, contact our Auburn Hills, MI dental office at 248-852-1820.
