Cleaning Around the Gum Line Can Reduce Your Risk for Gum Disease
Bacteria can build up on the surfaces of your teeth and cause cavities. Bacteria can also become a destructive force acting on your gums. To prevent that from happening, you need to clean around your gum line. That means focusing your toothbrush strokes near the gum line and directing them away from the gums. You should also be flossing between teeth to prevent the buildup of bacteria in these difficult-to-reach areas. Simply being conscious while cleaning can go a long way toward preventing gum disease.
Deep Cleaning Can Clear Away Gum Disease
If you have developed gum disease, you need to treat the condition as soon as possible. If you notice that your gums have become inflamed, and you experience pain when touching them, these are signs that you have developed gingivitis. You should treat gum disease as soon as possible, before the condition worsens. A deep cleaning from your dentist can actually remove all of the bacterial buildup from beneath your gum line, and allow your gums to heal. Deep cleanings are also known as “scaling and root planing,” and you should talk to your dentist about this treatment if you are experiencing inflammation in your gums.
The Health of Your Mouth and Body Are Connected
Why is it so important to treat gum disease quickly? Because the condition can worsen and become periodontitis, which is irreversible. This advanced form of gum disease can cause tooth loss and other health complications. Patients with gum disease are twice as likely to die from a heart attack, and three times as likely to die from a stroke. Gum disease can also become a risk factor for patients with diabetes, and it has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis as well. This preventable condition is one you don’t want to mess with.
Make Biannual Appointments at North Spring Dental
In addition to preventing gum disease at home, you should also make biannual dentist appointments for cleanings and checkups. Sticking to this type of schedule generally does not allow gum disease to develop.
ABOUT YOUR SPRINGFIELD, OH DENTIST:
Dr. Afshan Ahmed and the team at North Spring Dental welcome you and your family to a different kind of dental care experience. Our practice is one in which you can rest assured that you will enjoy a relaxing, personalized visit. To find out more about our comprehensive general, orthodontic, and family dentistry services, call our dental office in Springfield, OH today at 937-399-3800.