Gingivitis Harms More Than Your Gums

A recent study from the University of Washington School Of Dentistry has found that gingivitis can not only damage teeth and cause tooth loss, but it can also contribute to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and bowel diseases. This information places urgency on our need to practice preventative care measures — like going in for regular dental checkups and cleanings. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, dentist discusses the causes of gingivitis and the ways you can fight it.

What Causes Gingivitis?

At its core, gingivitis is an infection of the gums. It is often caused by an excessive build-up of plaque and tartar. Gum disease occurs when bacteria make their way into the gums, causing them to become inflamed. Once this happens, one can experience bad breath, bleeding, and other more serious health issues if left untreated. Luckily, brushing and flossing go a long way to preventing tartar and plaque buildup, so make sure you do so twice a day.

Periodontal Cleaning Can Help

If you do have gingivitis, your dentist might recommend a periodontal cleaning — or deep cleaning. A deep cleaning focuses on where your teeth enter your gums — known as the roots. The typical cleaning consists of scaling and root planing. Your dentist will begin by applying a local anesthetic to your mouth. Then scaling begins, and it consists of delicately exposing parts of your teeth that are set in your gum and carefully removing the bacteria buildup. Next, for root planing, the root surfaces are polished so plaque and tartar have a harder time settling back there in the future. 

Maintain Your Smile With Checkups And Cleanings

In addition to brushing and flossing daily, scheduling checkups and cleanings every six months is a crucial way to prevent the plaque and tartar buildup that leads to gingivitis. During a professional cleaning, a hygienist uses specialized tools that are incredibly effective at removing plaque and harmful bacteria. While brushing at home can keep them at bay, they will still build up over time. Moreover, during the exam portion of your visit, your dentist will look for cavities and signs of gum disease. It is essential to catch these issues early, so they can be treated before they require a more in-depth, invasive procedure. Because of the larger health issues, gingivitis is connected to, you should really keep to a regular schedule for visiting the dentist.

Let Us Help You Keep Your Gums Healthy

If you have questions about the ways we can help you keep your gums healthy and your smile bright, do not hesitate to contact Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry in Dallas, TX at 972-329-7645. You can also visit us at 10210 Scyene Rd. Dallas, TX 75227. We look forward to hearing from you.