A good oral hygiene routine can keep your smile looking and feeling fresh. When you brush and floss at home, the process can also help keep your gums safe from infections. Any redness or swelling in this soft tissue could indicate gingivitis, a bacterial gum infection. Your team at Wayman Family Dentistry in Oklahoma, OK, can help you prevent and manage periodontal disease.
Hygiene Routine To Prevent Periodontal Disease
Brushing and flossing at home can help remove food particles and bacteria that may accumulate throughout the day. You should do these tasks at least twice a day, or more often if you snack frequently throughout the day. Many patients skip flossing in their routine, but the procedure is an essential part of your routine. This step can help to remove food particles that your toothbrush may not be able to reach, further preventing plaque buildup in between your teeth. In addition to your at-home oral hygiene routine, remember to visit your dentist twice a year for cleaning and checkup. You may not notice changes to your oral health right away, but these checkups may be able to detect them.
Diagnosing and Treating Gingivitis
Early detection can potentially reverse gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease that can occur when plaque builds up. If you have noticed that your gums feel sensitive, swollen, or bleed when you attempt to floss, these could be signs of gingivitis. We recommend that you visit your dentist as soon as possible to diagnose the infection. Your dentist will carefully examine your gums and look for pockets (gaps between the gums and the roots of your teeth) to diagnose the infection. If you have periodontal disease, deep cleanings will be necessary to remove the plaque buildup and protect your gums from entering a further stage of periodontitis.
Treating Tooth Loss Caused By Periodontitis
Improved oral hygiene routines and consistent deep cleanings can be used to maintain your periodontal disease. In some cases, antibiotics in the form of toothpaste or mouthwash may also be necessary to manage the disease. Unfortunately, though, advanced stages of periodontitis may lead to tooth loss in some cases. When this happens, it’s important to replace your missing teeth as soon as possible to prevent issues like misalignment, difficulty chewing, and more. Some patients may qualify for dental implants to recreate the root and crown of their missing dental structures. We may be able to replace a single tooth or several with dental implants.
Talk To Our Team To Learn More
When you are experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease, our team is here to help manage the infection. Schedule an appointment with Wayman Family Dentistry in Oklahoma City, OK, today at 405-752-0111.
