Preventing And Managing Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is a serious issue that according to the Centers for Disease Control, impacts half of adults over the age of 30. However, your Ankeny, IA, dentist knows how to not only help prevent the disease, but how to manage it for people that already have periodontal issues. With the right steps, you can avoid serious complications, such as adult tooth loss.

The Causes of the Disease

How does the disease start? When the gums become inflamed, this could cause swelling, soreness or redness, and bleeding. At this stage, the issue is referred to a gingivitis, and there is still time to reverse it and prevent periodontal disease. However, if not treated, then the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets for bacteria to enter, causing periodontal disease. There is no cure at this point, but routine care can manage it to avoid the onset of periodontitis, an advanced stage that causes tooth loss. Possible causes vary, but could include a diet high in sugar and lack of proper brushing and flossing, which leads to plaque and tartar buildup. Inflammatory illness, tobacco products, and certain medications could also be responsible, as could a family history of periodontal issues.

Prevention

To prevent the disease, be sure you brush your teeth when you wake and again before bed for about two minutes each time. You also need to floss thoroughly before bed, which means moving the tape up and down each side of every tooth and dipping the gum line to remove trapped particles of sugar and starch. You also need to avoid using tobacco products, and see us every six months. A six-month visit means we can watch for the warning signs of gum problems and administer treatment. A cleaning helps by removing all plaque and tartar from the smile, controlling inflammation.

Management

To reverse gingivitis or manage periodontal disease, we may suggest a deep cleaning. Also known as a scaling and root planing, the procedure involves removing all plaque and tartar from the teeth and the roots. Afterward, regular dental cleaning every three to four months can continue to protect your smile, managing your disease and preventing the loss of your teeth or worsening discomfort. If you have any questions, then contact our team today. We want to make sure your smile stays whole and healthy!

Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?

We want to help keep your gums free of inflammation and disease with regular preventive care. To learn more about preventive dentistry, then please schedule an appointment by calling Peddicord Family Dentistry in Ankeny, IA, today at (515) 963-3339. We also proudly serve patients of all ages who live in Bondurant, Polk City, and all surrounding communities.