Did you know that periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss for adults in the US? In addition to tooth loss, periodontitis can also put you at risk of heart disease and bone loss and can cause a decline in your ability to perform functions like eating and talking. These problems can be incredibly serious to your health, but thankfully there are ways to prevent periodontal disease and protect your overall well-being. Your team at Duval Periodontics in Savannah, GA, can help you learn ways to prevent gum disease and steps you can take to manage the infection.
Understand The Causes Of Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease, caused by plaque buildup on and around the tissues. Improved oral hygiene and deep cleanings can reverse this infection at its earliest stage. How can you know that you have gingivitis? If you have noticed a change in your gum color, sensitivity, or bleeding when you floss, it could be a sign of gingivitis. Your dentist may be able to detect such changes during your biannual checkup, so be sure to visit your dentist regularly. The earlier gingivitis is detected, the sooner we can treat it and protect your smile.
Stay On Top Of Deep Cleanings
Unfortunately, we cannot reverse periodontal disease once it progresses beyond gingivitis. However, there are ways that we can help manage your symptoms and protect your smile from gum recession, tooth loss, and other symptoms associated with periodontitis. Maintaining regular deep cleanings is crucial. These are more in-depth than your standard cleaning and involve scaling to remove plaque buildup and planing to smooth the roots of your teeth and avoid gum recession. Your scaling and root planing treatments can help manage halitosis (bad breath) and avoid the periodontal disease from progressing further.
Make A Plan For Tooth Loss
If you have begun to experience gum recession or tooth loss due to periodontitis, don’t let it affect your appearance and health. We have other treatments available to help with this. Scaling and root planing treatments can help you best manage your symptoms, and there are options available to replace your missing teeth, even if bone loss occurred due to the infection. Dental implants, for instance, may be able to help recreate the root of your missing structure and protect the jawbone from weakening. If you have lost a tooth due to periodontal disease for any reason, you should talk to your dentist as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Let Us Help You Improve Your Gum Health
Do you struggle with keeping up with your smile? Let the team at Duval Periodontics in Savannah, GA help protect your periodontal health. Schedule an appointment with our team today by calling (912) 352-4867.
