The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, can be effectively addressed with a scaling and root planing treatment. However, when a periodontal infection is allowed the time to progress in severity, you may be limited to managing your condition, rather than eliminating it. While an increase in regular dental visits can help your dentist stay on top of problems, to control your issues, early intervention to reverse your condition is preferable. Smart oral care that pays attention to your gum health can be critical to avoiding serious periodontal problems. You should know that serious gum disease can have serious consequences, including the prospect of losing teeth.
Watch For Signs Of Gum Disease
Staying on top of your oral health is important. During regular oral care, take a moment to examine your gums. If you notice tissue that is swollen or red, or seems to be unusually prone to bleeding, you could be experiencing gingivitis.
Stay On Top Of Regular Dental Checkups – Even When Everything Seems Fine
Regular dental visits allow your dentist to keep regular watch over your current health. You should see your dentist every six months. Lapses in appointments can allow problems to grow in severity. This is true for gum disease, as well as with tooth decay. A small cavity you are unaware of can continue to attack your tooth if you miss a visit. That can mean requiring more advanced restorative dental care than you would have required had you stuck to the six month schedule.
Be Sure To Floss!
Flossing cleans the spaces between teeth that brushing alone can do a poor job of addressing. You also break apart bacteria between teeth that can infiltrate your gums, and cause gum disease.
