Without preventive care and routine homecare, your gums can become inflamed and more likely to develop gum disease. While very common, periodontal disease does pose a number of risks for the stability of your smile. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent the onset of the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease Prevention
Question: What causes the disease to form?
Answer: The disease forms when the gums become inflamed. Gingival inflammation can occur as a result of smoking, poor oral hygiene allowing plaque buildup to form, genetic predisposition to the disease, and certain inflammatory illnesses. Without treatment, the inflammation can expose pockets between the gum and teeth, which bacteria can then infiltrate, leading to the disease.
Question: What warning signs should I be aware of?
Answer: You should be aware of any changes to your gums, such as soreness, redness, or bleeding when you brush and floss. If you encounter these issues, then please see us right away for a diagnosis and if necessary, to discuss treatment options.
Question: Will a cleaning help?
Answer: A cleaning every six months can completely remove plaque buildup, safeguarding your gums against periodontal disease. Even if you brush and floss, you still need to have a dental cleaning twice a year. However, brushing and floss is still an excellent way to limit how much plaque can form between your visits.
Question: What is a deep cleaning?
Answer: Also known as a scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning removes plaque from both the teeth and the roots. The procedure can take one visits or up to four, depending in the extent of your buildup. A deep cleaning can often reverse inflammation, ending gingivitis or managing the early stages of periodontal disease. If you have any questions or concerns about gum disease prevention, then please contact our office today.
DO YOU EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE WARNING SIGNS?
At Vi Mai-Truong, DDS, we can offer preventive solutions to help safeguard your smile against periodontal disease. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese. To schedule an appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552.
