Periodontal Disease
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Periodontal Care in Richmond, VA
Taking care of your gums is one of the most important parts of maintaining good oral health for life. When your gums aren’t healthy, it’s not only your smile that can suffer. Other areas of your body can, too, include your heart. Fortunately, keeping your gums in tip-top shape is easier than you may think. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your gums and preventing gum disease before scheduling your next appointment at Glen Forest Dental Co.
What is Periodontal Disease?
When a person has poor oral hygiene habits or doesn’t brush and floss as thoroughly as they should, a clear, sticky film can form on their teeth. This film, known as plaque, will eventually harden into tartar buildup if left to its own devices. Tartar buildup cannot be removed with normal at-home brushing and flossing; it must be removed at the dentist. When left untreated, tartar buildup can cause gum tissue to become infected and pull away from its surrounding teeth.
When this occurs, it’s known as periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease will not go away on its own and will worsen over time. A dental professional must treat it.
What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Like other oral health problems, gum disease often develops and progresses without you even realizing it. While your teeth and gums may look normal, particularly in the early stages of gum disease, your dentist can identify it. That’s why going to the dentist every six months is so important. If left untreated, gum disease can cause more noticeable symptoms. These include:
- Loose or sensitive teeth
- Receding gum line
- Bleeding gums, especially after brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
- Bad tastes
- Painful chewing
If you notice one or more of these signs, don’t wait to schedule an appointment at Glen Forest Dental Co. to examine your gums.
What does the Periodontal Treatment Include?
If you’re diagnosed with gum disease, the trusted dental team at Glen Forest Dental Co. will create a personalized treatment plan to restore the health of your smile and prevent the condition from leading to more serious problems. Your treatment plan will likely consist of undergoing a deep dental cleaning and more frequent dental cleanings until your gums are healthy again. During your deep dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will scrape away the plaque and tartar buildup as she would during routine cleaning. Still, she’ll pay particular attention to the pockets of gum tissue around your teeth’s roots.
What Periodontal Care is Offered at Glen Forest?
At Glen Forest Dental Co., the health of your gums is one of our top priorities. For this reason, our dental team is prepared to help diagnose gum disease at its earliest stages during your regular dental checkup. If the dentist notices signs of the condition, such as receding gum tissue or bleeding gums, he will create a treatment plan to improve the health of your mouth as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Glen Forest Dental Co. Can Help Keep Your Gums Strong
If it’s been a while since you’ve had your teeth professionally cleaned at the dentist or if you’re exhibiting signs of gum disease, don’t wait another day to schedule your preventative dental appointment. Good oral health habits and regular dental appointments are essential in preventing gum disease and keeping your smile healthy for a lifetime. The trusted team at Glen Forest Dental Co. is eager to show you how convenient caring for your smile can be. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!