Periodontal Care What do you think of when you think of a healthy mouth and beautiful smile? If you’re like many, you instantly think of your teeth. It is true that the health of your teeth is essential for your oral health. There’s another part of your mouth that’s just as important, your gums. Healthy gums, in addition to healthy teeth, help you to maintain optimal oral health. Advanced Dental Associates can help to ensure proper periodontal care to help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful. How Important are the Gums?While your teeth might seem like the most important feature of your mouth, your gums are equally important. They play different roles. The gums are the soft tissue that surrounds your teeth. Healthy tissue forms a tight seal, which protects the roots of your teeth and your jawbone. Your gums help to provide additional support for your teeth, keeping them from shifting out of place. A healthy gum line also contributes to a beautiful smile. What Happens if I Ignore My Gums?Ignoring your gums, and your oral health, in general, can lead to a condition known as gum disease. It develops when plaque and bacteria buildup near your gum line begins to irritate the soft tissue. It might not seem all that serious when it first develops, but it can quickly worsen. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Advanced stages can also impact your overall health, leaving you at greater risk for developing some serious conditions. How Do I Know if Something is Wrong?When gum disease first develops, you might not know anything is wrong. In its earliest stages, you might notice some redness and swelling, but think nothing of it. Maybe you brushed your teeth too hard. You can also tell something is wrong if your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. Bleeding gums are a major indication of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. If you ignore these symptoms, you may begin to notice others, such as gum recession, bad breath, and tooth sensitivity. If you notice any of these symptoms or even suspect that you might have gum disease, it’s a good idea to call and schedule an appointment. How are Gum Issues Diagnosed?Diagnosing gum disease requires a dental exam. During your exam, your symptoms are discussed. We look at your teeth for buildup. We check your gums for swelling and bleeding. A special tool is used to measure the pockets around your teeth. We may also recommend X-rays so that we can check around the roots of your teeth for bone loss. What Happens if I am Diagnosed with Gum Disease?If you receive a diagnosis of gum disease, treatment will be recommended. In addition to diagnosing the condition, we can also determine how severe it is. This helps us to choose the right treatment for you. Treatments that may be recommended include scaling and root planing, pocket reduction surgery, osseous surgery, gum grafting, and periodontal maintenance. With proper oral care, you can help to maintain the health of your teeth and your gums. However, if you suspect that something might be wrong, it is important to get treatment right away. Call Advanced Dental Associates at (210) 714-5589 today. |
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