Untreated periodontal disease can have serious impacts on your oral and overall health. If you show signs of this problem, it’s important that you seek care as soon as possible to help best manage it. Before signs or side effects begin to develop, there are steps you can take to prevent this bacterial infection from occurring. In today’s blog, your Encinitas, CA, dentist is here to talk about how to reduce your chances of periodontitis.
Gum disease prevention starts at home with a good oral hygiene routine. By now, you already know that you should brush at least twice a day to remove food particles and bacteria that can accumulate throughout the day. In addition to brushing your teeth, you should also be flossing at least once a day. This step helps to remove bacteria from between your pearly whites. If you skip this step, you may notice that you have poor smelling breath even after brushing. This is because food particles and bacteria can get trapped between your dental structures. Remember to visit your dentist twice a year as well for a professional cleaning and examination. Your dentist may be able to detect early problems, from decay to gingivitis, so these concerns can be treated promptly.
Typically, your biannual checkup includes a regular cleaning, known as prophylaxis. This is when a hygienist cleans and polishes your teeth. For patients with gum disease, you may need to replace these visits with supportive periodontal maintenance, which takes place every three months instead of twice a year. Instead of focusing on cleaning your pearly whites, plaque will be removed from your teeth and gums to help prevent the many problems that can come with periodontal disease. If you are experiencing serious plaque buildup, your dentist will create a treatment plan based on your needs, and you may be required to come in for these cleanings more frequently.
Scaling and root planing can be done as well to help manage the disease. This process involves removing bacteria and plaque from below the gumline and smoothing the roots of your teeth to prevent the gums from receding. This can be accomplished with a specially calibrated laser for more precision and efficiency. If you have experienced tooth loss due to periodontitis, your dentist may be able to help replace your missing teeth and renew your smile with implants. Other treatments may need to be done first to ensure your gums and jaw can withstand this procedure.
We are here to help guide you through the detection and treatment of periodontitis. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ann Kania in Encinitas, CA, call (760) 642-0711 today.
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