You probably have a decent idea of how healthy your teeth are. If you’re visiting your dentist every six months, they can observe any developing issues or structural problems and recommend treatment. Even if you aren’t always consistent about visiting your dentist, you know how often you’re brushing. You may be able to see cavities starting to form on your teeth. You can typically feel residue on the surfaces of your teeth when you haven’t brushed, but what about your gums? How do you know whether or not your gums are in good shape? can protect your gums and teeth for the future.
Signs that Something Is Wrong with Your Gums
You won’t typically see the dark, discolored spots on your gums that you would see when on your teeth. Bacteria can still build up around and beneath your gum line, causing infections similar to cavities, though. If you notice redness in your gums, this may be a sign of inflammation. Swelling and pain are also signs of inflammation. Chronic inflammation in your gums is characterized as gingivitis, or the initial stage of gum disease. To treat this condition, you should see your dentist for a periodontal cleaning.
A Periodontal Cleaning Removes Bacteria
When bacteria build up beneath your gum line, they produce acid that causes inflammation. This acid can also start to break down the connective tissue between your teeth and your jaw bone. This connection is vital for the . Periodontal cleanings remove this bacteria so that these connections can heal. Your dentist can either physically or sonically break up the bacterial buildup that is causing the infection. Then, your dentist can smooth the surfaces of your tooth’s roots so that it can reconnect to the jaw bone.
Untreated Gum Disease Is Dangerous for the Future of Your Teeth
Gum disease can cause problems for your gums, teeth, and jaw bone. When left untreated, gum disease continues to get worse. What starts as gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. While gingivitis severs the connections between tooth and bone, periodontitis erodes the jaw bone altogether. As your jaw bone wears down, the sockets for your teeth widen and your teeth may loosen and fall out. Periodontitis is irreversible, so while your dentist can still manage the condition to avoid tooth loss, it is not a problem that will go away over time.
Receive a Periodontal Cleaning at Lake Orion Family Dentistry
Periodontal cleanings can be used to reverse gingivitis before the condition worsens. If you notice the signs of gingivitis, be sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible. At Lake Orion Family Dentistry, we provide thorough care in a welcoming environment. Schedule an appointment today by office in Lake Orion, MI at 248-693-6213.
