Gum disease – along with tooth decay, infection, and more – are among the major oral health concerns that we try so very hard to prevent throughout the courses of our lives. For instance, whenever we discover we have a small cavity, we seek restorative treatment such as a filling or a crown to prevent the infection from spreading, and so on and so forth. Bear in mind, however, that infection can spreader faster than most might think, and as such, we must act just as efficiently. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist takes a look at the root causes of gum disease, as well as what steps you can take to minimize your chances of infection.
A Common Infection
When many people are asked about the most common oral health concern out there, they often respond with tooth decay. Though this is correct, believe it or not, gum disease is actually a really close second. So why is this phenomenon typically overlooked?
Gum disease occurs when oral bacteria work their way beneath your gum line and target your tooth roots. Here, they cause plaque and tartar to develop and, due to the discreet location, are able to thrive without much bother.
Indeed, the longer a person goes without treatment, the worse the situation will be. The problem arises, however, when an individual is unaware there is an issue, to begin with. When experiencing some form of periodontal disease, a few telltale signs to keep in mind include swollen, inflamed, or bleeding gums, separation of teeth from tissues, and even structures falling out on their own. For more information about this process, give our team a call today.
The Role of Flossing
Your primary method for keeping bacteria away from your gums includes flossing at home. As a matter of fact, your dentist recommends flossing between meals so as to remove food particles that become stuck between teeth. When this occurs, bacteria swarm to the site to feed. This inevitably leads the microorganisms to your gums, and the rest is history.
So, the next time you choose to skip flossing because you deem it unimportant, remember that it is necessary to keep your smile healthy and happy. Reach out to our team to learn more.
When You Can Benefit from Scaling and Root Planing
If you attend your routine examination consistently, your dentist will be able to help you identify periodontal concerns early enough to seek necessary treatment. For instance, our team can provide a scaling and root planing treatment to remove plaque deposits from your roots and smooth them so that future bacterial attachment will not be as easy.
Learn More Today
Contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500 to learn more about the need for proper periodontal care, and schedule your next appointment with our team today.
