It goes without saying that all individuals want to avoid disease, decay, and overall damage when it comes to their oral health. Indeed, many concerns can actually be detected and treated early on if you follow a routine regimen of preventive care, including attending your 6-month dental visit. In some cases, however, concerns can progress to the point of needing more extensive treatment such as a root canal or even an extraction. In other cases, you may develop threatening diseases or infection that cause damage to a number of structures. In today’s blog, your Auburn Hills, MI dentist will look at developing periodontal disease, and how you can take steps to prevent it from occurring.
The Threat of Periodontitis
Periodontal disease – also known as gum disease – is probably the most common dental concern, affecting nearly three million U.S. adults per year. One of the biggest reasons for this is because people do not know the signs or symptoms for when to seek help, and oftentimes, seek it too late. Gum disease consists of harmful oral bacteria that have found their way beneath your gum line and attached themselves to the roots of your teeth. Just as these tissues serve a protective barrier around your roots, they do so for the bacteria as well, allowing them to thrive and grow. If left untreated, these bacteria will begin to form plaque and tartar buildup on your roots, causing a number of concerns that impact your oral health such as teeth separating from the tissues that house them, inflamed, sensitive, and bleeding gums, and even tooth loss. To combat this, your dentist will recommend a few steps you can take to ensure the health of your smile.
Don’t Skip Flossing
While you may be under the impression that you can skip flossing because brushing will suffice, keep in mind that food particles tend to become lodged between teeth quite frequently, requiring more than brushing to remove. What’s more, these lodged food particles actually attract harmful bacteria, essentially leading them to your gums. By actively flossing, you are minimizing your chances of developing the disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
Another procedure that your dentist may recommend for more severe cases includes a deep periodontal cleaning. This process consists of going beneath the surface of the gums to scale, or thoroughly remove, deposits of plaque and tartar from the roots of your teeth. Following this, your dentist will carefully smooth and polish these surfaces in order to make it more difficult for bacteria to reattach. This procedure will take more than one visit, so your dentist will work with you to create the best plan for moving forward.
Visit Our Office Today
Gum disease may affect a large number of U.S. adults, but consistent preventive care can ensure that you are not one of them. Contact Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI by calling 248-852-1820 to learn more or schedule your appointment today.
