Caring for your gums impacts both your oral and your overall health. That’s why we, at Indigo Dentistry, emphasize the importance of the prevention, early detection, and treatment of gum (periodontal) disease. We are all maintaining long-term healthy smiles.
What Are the Causes of Gum Disease?
Dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, continuously forms on teeth. If not removed, plaque bacteria irritate the gums, causing inflammation, and pulling the gums away from the teeth. The resulting spaces, also known as pockets, trap plaque and debris and cause further complications. If not managed, periodontal disease will continue to progress and destroy the tissues and bone supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.
How Does Periodontal Disease Affect Your Health?
Periodontal disease not only affects your oral health but can also be detrimental to your overall health. Studies have uncovered a potential connection between gum disease and serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) is usually all that’s needed to reverse gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Root planing, on the other hand, involves the cleaning and smoothing of the root surfaces to discourage bacteria and tartar buildup and to promote the healing and reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth surfaces.
What Is Periodontal Maintenance?
After treatment, you will require periodontal maintenance appointments every three months. During your visits, we will clean your teeth, evaluate the health of your gum tissue, and measure your pocket depth and gum recession. Our goal is to manage the condition and to keep your gums and bone healthy.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
To keep plaque under control, make sure you brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Make sure to schedule your routine dental exams and cleanings to keep your smile free of disease.
Periodontal Care Near Me
Contact Indigo Dentistry in Cedar Hill, TX, to learn more about the prevention, treatment, and management of gum disease. We are committed to offering quality periodontal care to ensure you enjoy a healthy smile for many years to come. Call us and schedule your appointment today.