What Is Periodontal Health and How Does it Affect Me?

When you read the phrase “periodontal health,” what comes to mind? If you’re not sure what this phrase refers to, you’re not alone. Periodontal health refers to the health of your gums (and your jaw). While keeping your teeth clean and healthy is vital to overall oral health, your gums are a big part of the equation as well. That’s because without proper cleaning, your gums can suffer from the same problems that your teeth do. Bacterial infection can cause damage and decay beneath the gum line and within the jaw bone. In today’s blog post, we explore periodontal health and how it affects you.

Poor Periodontal Health Leads to Gingivitis

You’ve probably heard the term “gingivitis” before. This refers to the early stages of gum disease. When bacteria build up along and beneath the gum line, it causes inflammation. If your gums are read, swollen, and in pain, you may have gingivitis. Treating gingivitis can cause symptoms to subside, but if you let the issue linger, bigger oral health problems could be on the way.

Periodontitis Is Advanced Gum Disease that Cannot Be Reversed

Periodontitis is the condition that develops when your gum disease goes untreated. If you have periodontitis, you’re actually suffering jaw bone loss. The roots of your teeth are connected to your jaw bone with small tissues. The acid that bacteria produce can wear away at these tissues, severing the connection between tooth and bone. Once the bacteria starts to wear away at the jaw bone, your body cannot regenerate the lost bone mass. Eventually, you may lose the tooth affected by this condition.

Treating and Preventing Gum Disease for Strong Periodontal Health

The best way to avoid periodontitis is to keep your gums clean and healthy. That means flossing those difficult-to-reach surfaces around the gum line and between teeth. It also means focusing on your gum line while you brush your teeth. If you notice any signs of gingivitis, talk to your dentist right away. Your dentist can treat gingivitis with scaling and root planing. This is a procedure wherein your dentist will carefully access your tooth roots to remove any bacterial buildup, then smooth the roots to create an even surface.

Elm Creek Dental Offers Deep Cleanings for Periodontal Care

If you notice signs of gum disease, the team at Elm Creek can offer scaling and root planing to remove the bacteria beneath your gums. This form of deep cleaning is the only way to manage periodontitis once you develop the condition. Making regular visits to Elm Creek for checkups and cleanings is another great way to avoid gum disease altogether. To schedule your appointment, contact Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN at 763-416-0606.