At Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS, we want all our patients to have a healthy smile. A healthy oral hygiene routine can prevent many health problems down the line. Today, we’re here to talk about one of these problems: gum disease. Also known as periodontitis, periodontal disease, or gingivitis, these phrases are all names for the same dental problem that can lead to tooth loss, gum inflammation, and many more problems.
Read more: Caring For Your Gums Is Caring For Your HealthPreventing Gum Disease
Gum-related problems can cause physical health issues along with being a detriment to your oral health, which is why this is a major concern for dentists to watch out for. Those with gum disease are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular problems like heart attack or stroke.
The best defense against periodontitis is brushing and flossing regularly. By doing this, you eliminate the potential buildup of debris that can cause bacteria to grow in your mouth. Brushing alone does not do this, so be sure to floss daily as well to reach the areas in between your teeth. You should also visit your dentist twice a year, as these examinations can identify early signs of plaque buildup which leads to gum disease.
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis. If you have red, swollen gums, bleed when you floss, or feel like you have bad breath even when brushing your teeth, you may be in the earliest stage of this problem. It is imperative that you see a dentist regularly, especially if you notice these symptoms. If caught early enough, there is a chance to treat this problem.
Treating Poor Periodontal Health
If your gum problems were not caught in the early stages, there is still room to fix this problem. Each case will vary, but we can offer scaling and root planning to get a deep clean of the plaque and other build-up that is causing this situation.
Scaling, or Deep cleaning, varies from regular dental cleaning because we clean the areas underneath your gums. This helps us remove harmful oral bacteria that lead to infection. In our office, we use ultrasonic and laser technology which allows us to break up plaque and tartar more effectively, and it is also more comfortable for the patient.
Root Planing is done during the same process of the deep cleaning. This part of the treatment encourages the gum tissue to reattach itself, preventing infection from spreading.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your dentist may recommend that you get these deep cleanings done in a few sessions to ensure that all the plaque is removed.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Don’t disregard your gum health! If you are experiencing early symptoms of gum disease, give us a call at Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS, today at 913-381-2600.