If you care about having a healthy and beautiful smile, then you may already be brushing your teeth twice a day, and even avoiding beverages that could lead your teeth to become stained. Unfortunately, many people overlook the importance of proper gum care, when it comes to maintaining their oral health. The gums are just as important as the teeth, yet they’re easy to overlook. If you want to ensure your whole smile remain healthy, make sure you’re doing all you can to protect against gum disease, and seek dental treatment quickly if your gums could already be showing signs of trouble.
Have you noticed bleeding when flossing or brushing?
One of the most common warning signs of gingivitis, which is actually the first stage of gum disease, is bleeding gums. Gums that bleed easily, such as while one brushes or flosses, often do so because there is already bacteria present, which has caused the tissue to become easily irritated.
Do your gums appear inflamed or irritated?
Bacteria are what causes many dental issues, including gingivitis. The gums can become irritated, inflamed, and eventually infected when bacteria has lodged along the gumline. Over time, this can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
A Specialized Cleaning Could Be In Order
In its earliest stages, gingivitis can often be corrected with a professional dental cleaning. That said, if the gingivitis has progressed, a more extensive periodontal cleaning may be in order. This usually involves processes like scaling and root planning, to help break up and then remove bacteria along the gumline.
Need Periodontal Care?
Periodontal treatment helps to protect the teeth and gums. Contact Dr. Okoniewski by calling Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI today at (248) 852-1820 to schedule an appointment.