From a young age, your parents likely emphasized the importance of brushing your teeth and caring for your smile so that you can maintain a lifelong bill of health. Along the way, you probably also learned that nontraditional oral health concerns – such as TMJ Disorder, sleep apnea, and developing wisdom teeth – could negatively influence your smile as well. As such, you have to make sure you are taking the steps necessary to practice a thorough routine. In today’s blog, your Houston, TX dentist discusses periodontal disease and the ways it harms your gums.
Avoiding Gum Disease
It goes without saying that tooth decay and gum disease are among the most common oral health concerns in the world. After all, both phenomena influence millions of Americans every year. While the former consists of damage and deterioration to the tooth itself, gum disease consists of infection beneath the gum line.
You see, oral bacteria can lurk in the mouth and thrive off of feeding on the food and beverages that you consume. Certain items in particular – such as sugars – cause these microorganisms to produce a destructive acid. When bacteria work their way beneath the gum line next to your teeth, they can cause plaque and tartar to develop on your roots. Because the tissues protect the roots so closely, this plaque deposit is able to thrive relatively safe from harm.
Over time, the bacteria-laden plaque barrier between the root and gums will grow, causing structures to separate from the tissues that house them. If treatment is not sought relatively quickly, a person may begin to endure the beginning stages of gum disease. To learn more about this process and how our team can help, give us a call today.
A Necessary Part of Prevention
Your gums are a necessary part of the oral cavity, and making sure these tissues remain strong is a must. In order to keep them healthy, your dentist recommends flossing between structures after meals. This process helps to remove food particles and other bacteria that may have become stuck between your teeth so as to mitigate any infection from taking place. Since particles can become lodged at any time, it is best to floss more often than less often.
In-Office Treatment Options
In addition to at-home care, our team provides specialized treatment to remove deposits of plaque on your roots known as scaling and root planing. We often recommend this procedure for individuals who are experiencing the effects of early gum disease, and it takes a few visits to complete. The treatment is characterized by carefully removing these hidden plaque deposits and polishing the roots.
Learn More Today
To learn more about steps you can take for prioritizing your periodontal care, contact Sue Ellen Richardson, DDS in Houston, TX by calling 713-796-9600 and schedule your next appointment with our office today.
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