Are you struggling with persistent bad breath or swollen, tender gums? You may be dealing with a common but serious issue known as gum disease. Here at Ripon Plaza Dental, we offer comprehensive solutions designed to help our patients preserve and enhance their periodontal health.
Dental plaque, a sticky substance that forms continuously in your mouth, serves as a breeding ground for bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. When this plaque is allowed to accumulate between your teeth and gums, it can lead to infection and inflammation of the periodontal tissues supporting your teeth.
Gingivitis represents the first stage of gum disease. Although it may not cause significant discomfort, there are key signs that can help you identify its onset. If your gums bleed when you brush, appear red and inflamed, or feel tender to the touch, you likely have developed gingivitis.
With proper care, you can successfully eliminate gingivitis and restore your periodontal health. By treating gingivitis early in its development, you can avoid the more severe consequences associated with advanced gum disease. Even though inflammation and an active disease process are present during gingivitis, the underlying structures supporting your teeth remain intact.
At this stage, implementing a few simple measures can effectively reverse gingivitis and restore your periodontal health. Our office may recommend a series of deep dental cleanings involving scaling and root planing, an improved oral hygiene regimen at home, and other non-surgical therapeutic techniques to preserve and maintain your periodontal health.
On the contrary, if left unaddressed, gingivitis will progress to more advanced stages of gum disease. When this occurs, damage to the tissues supporting your teeth can take place, leading to the formation of gingival pockets, gum recession, diminishing alveolar bone, and eventually, loosening and loss of teeth. However, it's not just about losing teeth or risking oral infections. Researchers are discovering increasingly strong links between periodontal disease and other medical conditions.
For these reasons, it's crucial to seek timely and effective care. By making the effort to maintain a healthy diet, practice good oral hygiene, and visit your dentist regularly, you can safeguard your periodontal health, preserve an attractive smile, and protect your overall well-being.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to schedule an appointment. Our dedicated staff is here to help you achieve optimal oral health!
