Have you ever been told that you have gum disease? Well, if you have bleeding or swollen gums then most likely you do! Most people will experience some form of it at some point in their lives. There are several factors that cause it and understanding your risks is key to preventing and managing this often-complicated disease. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist explains how we manage gum disease.
What Are the Risk Factors?
There are quite a few factors, but we will discuss a few big ones here. Genetics plays a big role in this disease. Those prone to inflammatory conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders will be at a much higher risk. When blood pressure is high, we can sometimes see an increase in oral inflammation and bleeding. If diabetes is uncontrolled, periodontal disease will be much harder to control, as well. Obviously, poor oral hygiene will cause gum disease. When bacteria are allowed to thrive and grow in the mouth, they slowly become more aggressive and begin to cause destruction to the oral structures. Smoking and periodontal disease go hand and hand. Quitting tobacco is vital but even reducing the amount of usage will improve the disease.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
The most important step to preventing periodontal disease is finding a consistent and comprehensive dental hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day and flossing properly at least once a day. Understanding your medical history is helpful in preventing and managing health conditions that can create or exacerbate periodontal disease. Maintaining six-month visits will allow us to carefully evaluate your gum health and address small issues before they become difficult to manage. At your dental check-ups, we will monitor your health and advise you on proper techniques or products that can optimize your wellness.
How is it Treated?
The early stages of gum disease are reversible. If caught in the beginning stages of gingivitis a regular cleaning may be sufficient to restore health. If the disease has progressed, then a deep cleaning or scaling and root planing is necessary. During a deep cleaning, ultrasonic devices are used beneath the gums and on the root surfaces to remove debris and harmful bacteria. A deep cleaning may take a few visits but is necessary to arrest and manage the disease process.
Schedule Your Check-Up Today
Our team wants to help keep your oral health optimized! If you would like more information on preventing periodontal disease, please reach out to our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office at 913-901-8585.
