Have you noticed your gums looking weird lately? Namely, do they seem red or irritated? Perhaps you have even noticed that they bleed when you floss. If so, these could be warning signs of gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. Left unaddressed, the condition can worsen, eventually leading to loss of teeth, as well as spread of bacteria through the bloodstream. Fortunately, if your gum problems are detected and treated early, your dentist should be able to help restore your oral health, either through a professional dental cleaning, or perhaps a more extensive treatment known as periodontal therapy.

How Well Are You Caring for Your Gums, Currently?

There are a number of factors that can impact whether or not a person enjoys good oral health, including healthy gums. If you have been skipping daily dental hygiene, like flossing, or missing regular dental checkups and cleanings, for instance, you are at a greater risk of developing gum disease. Chronic dry mouth, which can be a side effect of some medications, can also increase a person’s risk of struggling with periodontal disease as well as cavities.

A diet high in sugar also heightens risk of oral health threats, since the bacteria in the mouth utilize sugar for energy.

You Could Need Periodontal Therapy!

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, the dentist is likely to recommend either a general dental cleaning or periodontal therapy, or a combination of the two to help restore the gums health. Dental cleanings help to remove bacteria from the surface of the teeth, and in between, in the crevices.

Periodontal cleanings help to remove bacteria that are lodged along the gumline, where they can lead to widespread infection. Periodontal therapy usually involves scaling and root planning, which help to remove more bacteria from the deep pockets of the gum tissue.

In Need of Periodontal Treatment?

If your gums are exhibiting any signs of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, it’s important to see your dentist to stop the spread of this chronic disease. You can schedule a general consultation or periodontal therapy  with Gateway Dental Group in Des Moines, IA, today at (515) 244-9565.