When you brush and floss your teeth, you should give your gums some attention, too! A good oral hygiene routine will fight the buildup of plaque and bacteria at your gum line and lower your risk for gingivitis. Many people, even those who feel that they practice good habits, can grow concerned at their next routine dental exam upon learning that they have issues with their periodontal health. While your regular dental visits are important for preserving the health of your teeth and gums, you should know that you can actually identify early warning signs of gingivitis on your own. By checking on your gums between visits, you can see when gingivitis is starting to affect you and improve your hygiene routine!
There Are Symptoms Of Gingivitis You Can Identify On Your Own
While problems with gingivitis may not cause pain, they can affect you in other noticeable ways. Do your gums bleed often when you brush and floss? Are you often embarrassed by bad breath? Have your gums started to look swollen or discolored? These are signs that something is amiss. If you want to avoid complications from advanced gum disease, sure you target your gums while you floss and brush each day, and make sure your next checkup is scheduled!
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Gingivitis?
Better oral hygiene is your first line of defense against gum disease. Take care to brush thoroughly at your gum line, and work your floss down to your gums when cleaning between your teeth. Flossing can be important for fighting gingivitis, as it helps you target areas that are difficult for a brush to reach but still vulnerable to bacteria.
The Role Regular Dental Exams Play In Preserving Your Periodontal Health
If you have a cavity, you can count on your dentist to identify it, recommend restorative dental work, and take care of the matter. If a cavity is caught in time, it can be addressed with a dental filling. For teeth that experience advanced decay, dental crowns are often required. Regular checkups also protect you against complications from periodontal disease. A focused periodontal cleaning can remove bacteria that are causing issues with gingivitis. If you are not seeing your dentist regularly, an infection can worsen, which can lead to more difficulties and the need for more involved treatment.
Talk To Your Seattle, WA Dentist About Gingivitis
Ballard Neighborhood Dentist is ready to help patients combat issues with gingivitis! In addition to identifying active problems and treating them, we can help you avoid problems and maintain better overall oral health. If you have any questions, or any active concerns about your oral health, please call our Seattle, WA dentist’s office at 206-789-2555.
