If you’re a diligent tooth brusher, it’s probably because you value your oral health. You want to keep your teeth clean to prevent cavities and other bacteria-related oral health conditions. That’s a great attitude to have! However, you should consider whether or not you’re giving your gums the same level of care. You need to clean your gums like you would clean your teeth. That’s because your gums can suffer from plenty of adverse oral health conditions as well. Gum disease starts as gingivitis, and if left unchecked, it can get so much worse.
Gingivitis Will Eventually Become Periodontitis
If you notice inflammation on your gums (swelling and redness), it may just be a canker sore. However, chronic inflammation of the gums may be gingivitis. This is the first stage of gum disease, and it’s caused by bacterial buildup around and beneath the gum line. This infection is painful, but it can be treated by cleaning from your dentist. If you fail to remove this infection, the condition can worsen until you develop periodontitis. Periodontitis is irreversible gum disease that eats away at your jawbone.
Periodontitis Requires Consistent Attention to Treat
You won’t be able to reverse periodontitis if you develop the condition, you’ll only be able to manage it. Periodontitis occurs when bacteria have severed the connection between your tooth roots and your jawbone. Then bacteria start wearing away at your jawbone. The connections between tooth root and bone can be repaired, but the bone mass you lose won’t come back. That’s why it’s so important to clean your gums thoroughly through brushing and flossing. Preventing gum disease altogether is the easiest way to ensure you don’t develop periodontitis.
Your Dentist Can Deep Clean Your Gums with Dental Lasers
If you develop gum disease, or you need to manage the effects of periodontitis, your dentist can offer a deep cleaning. This treatment is often known as “scaling and root planing,” because it involves cleaning bacteria off of your tooth roots and smoothing the surfaces of those roots so that they can connect cleanly to your jawbone. Your dentist can make this procedure easier and reduce your recovery timetable after the treatment by using a dental laser. The laser can kill bacteria and smooth the surface of your tooth with precision, and without the need for incisions.
Manage Your Gum Health with Elm Creek Dental
Biannual dental visits are so important because they allow your dentist to spot conditions like gum disease before they worsen. The team at Elm Creek Dental can evaluate your oral health and treat your gum disease before the condition develops into periodontitis. Schedule an appointment with Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN by calling the office at 763-416-0606.