Lack of proper oral hygiene means that food particles often remain between our teeth. Oral bacteria then have the opportunity to break down these particles, a process that coats the teeth in plaque buildup. A bacterial byproduct, plaque actually inflames gum tissue, leading to gingivitis. Eventually, gum inflammation causes the gum tissue to pull from the teeth and form pockets. When bacteria enter these pockets, periodontal disease forms. There is no cure, but treatment is crucial to manage the disease and prevent the later stages, such as periodontitis, which could cause adult tooth loss. Other factors behind gum disease and periodontitis include prolonged illness, inflammatory diseases, certain medications, smoking and tobacco use, and a family history of periodontal issues.
How do you know when to see the dentist? Look for any changes to your smile. For example, if your gums appear red, feel sore, or bled easily, this could mean inflammation or the early stages of the disease. See us right away. If you attend your regular checkups every six months, then we have the chance to identify the problem in the earliest stages, offering treatment before the health and stability of your smile suffers.
What hygiene habits can help you enjoy healthy smiles? First, be sure you’re brushing your teeth when you wake up and again before going to bed. Each session should take two minutes and employ a toothpaste with fluoride and a soft-bristled toothbrush. More importantly, you need to floss in between each and every tooth before going to bed. We also suggest avoiding tobacco products and seeing us every six months. In addition to examining your smile, we also perform a dental cleaning, which removes all plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from your smile. If you have any questions about oral hygiene and periodontal disease prevention, then contact our team today.
At Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry, our team wants to help you enjoy a healthy smile, one free of disease. Contact us today to discuss our preventive treatment options by calling 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE). We strive to offer our patients of all ages compassionate, effective, and individualized care. At Gentle Smiles, we are proud to serve families from Dallas, TX, and the surrounding communities, including Mesquite, Balch Springs, Garland, and Seagoville.
If you are experiencing tooth loss, you may notice that it has changed the way…
Your child should see the dentist twice a year, just like you. These visits help…
When was the last time you visited a dentist for a dental exam? We agree…
When you have persistent but unexplained jaw pain and headaches, this could be an oral…
In a recent blog, we discussed how you can prevent cavities. However, these can still…
Tooth decay and periodontal disease are two of the most prevalent problems that dental patients…