We often focus on protecting the health of our teeth, which helps reduce the risk of cavities and infection. But what about our gums? Good gum health means preventing issues like painful bleeding gums or missing teeth. In today’s blog, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist talks about the preventive procedures and technologies we use to safeguard your periodontal health.
The Dangers (and Warning Signs) of Gingivitis and Gum Disease
Poor oral hygiene habits, such as lack of proper brushing and flossing and infrequent visits for checkups and cleanings, could allow plaque buildup to form on the teeth. In addition to weakening enamel and causing cavities, the buildup could also irritate and inflame the gum tissues. Th result could be gingivitis, which causes gums to look red, feel sore, or bleed when you brush and floss. While gingivitis can be reversed, lack of treatment means the gums eventually pull away from the teeth and form deep pockets for bacteria to infiltrate, causing periodontal disease, which cannot be cured but must be managed with treatment to prevent more severe stages and even adult tooth loss.
Prevention at Home
At home, try to cut back on sugary and starch-rich foods and drinks, as this leaves behind particles for bacteria to break down and consume. In the process of breaking down these particles, plaque accumulates on the teeth and hardens into tartar. Lack of proper brushing and flossing could also allow plaque to worsen with time, inflaming the gingival tissues. At home, enjoy a healthier diet, brush twice a day for two minutes, and always thoroughly floss before going to bed each evening. Try to avoid tobacco products too, as these could worsen the inflammation.
Deep Cleanings and Biolase®
To reverse gingivitis or manage the early stages of gum disease, we may suggest a deep cleaning. Using an ultrasonic scaling device, the treatment involves removing all plaque and tartar from the teeth and the roots. The process could take between one and four visits, depending on the severity of your buildup. Afterward, routine cleanings every three to four months could continue to manage the issue. If you have a more advanced stage of periodontal issues, we may prescribe the BIOLASE® system to remove diseased tissues with advanced laser dentistry, so healthy tissues adhere to the teeth. Routine care afterward helps manage the issue and protect the stability of your smile!
Ready for Your Next Exam?
We want to help you avoid disease, protecting your smile from tooth loss and other complications. For more information on maintaining good periodontal health, then please schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA today at 818-347-5124. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.