Periodontal probe, held by dental hygienist, measuring pocket depths around tooth, examining progression of periodontal disease. Dental hygiene, periodontal disease and prevention concept.When it comes to oral health complications, the biggest concern that tops many patients’ minds is the notion of losing a natural tooth. Indeed, while tooth loss can be avoided with the combination of an effective preventive routine and frequent dental visits, sometimes life has other plans. Even still, tooth loss is only one of many concerns that can arise and target your teeth, and seeking treatment sooner rather than later is always the better option. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist describes the process of gum disease and infection, and how you can take better care of your periodontal health.

What Constitutes Oral Health?

Believe it or not, your oral health is made up of much more than just the quality of your teeth. As a matter of fact, it includes your teeth, gums, tongue, roots, lips, cheeks, and throat. With this in mind, it goes without saying that simply brushing your teeth every day is not enough to fend off every oral health concern.

In order to pave the way for a lifelong smile, your dentist recommends a well-rounded preventive dental routine. This would consist of brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once every day, attending routine checkups and cleanings, and even paying mind to the foods and beverages you consume, as well as how they impact your grin.

When asked about the most common oral health concerns, patients tend to think of dental decay immediately. While decay certainly is the most common concern, it is not the only one. In fact, many patients are affected by gum disease and infection and do not even know it. To learn more about this process, reach out to our team today.

Understanding the Process

Gum disease occurs when hyperactive oral bacteria make their way below the gum line and cause plaque and tartar to develop on your tooth roots. Without proper care, this will lead to a number of complications. Indeed, many patients do not notice there is an issue until the infection has developed significantly and symptoms become increasingly noticeable. These can include bleeding or inflamed gums, separation of teeth from the tissues that house them, and even teeth falling out on their own. Reach out to our team today if you suspect this phenomenon is occurring to you.

Additional Treatment

While flossing is our primary preventive tool used to remove stuck food particles that increase the chances of periodontal concerns, your situation may call for additional treatment. Our team offers a deep clean, also known as scaling and root planing, to help remove deposits of plaque from beneath the gum line.

Schedule Your Visit

To learn more about the need for periodontal care, or to schedule your next appointment with our team, contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500 today.