A professional dental cleaning is provided to patients whenever they come in for a routine dental checkup. During this cleaning, your hygienist is able to remove plaque, food debris, and tartar found on your teeth. For many patients, this cleaning is all they need. However, those individuals who show signs of gum disease can require a deeper cleaning. A periodontal cleaning will be performed whenever there are concerns about the state of your gums. It is important to address a possible infection. If an infection is allowed to worsen, it can become difficult to manage, and may lead to problems like tooth loss. You can recognize signs of periodontal trouble between visits by looking for any evidence of swelling tissue, or a receding gum line. Gum disease is also a common cause of bad breath.

Should I Be More Concerned About Gum Disease?

Gum disease is not painful in its early stages, but that does not mean it is nothing to concern yourself about. Individuals who let their periodontal health worsen can develop what is known as periodontitis, a more advanced condition that can be difficult to address. Because patients with this condition can experience a breakdown of tissues at the base of teeth, they can be at real risk for tooth loss.

Making Professional Oral Care Part Of Your Routine

You should make sure to see your dentist twice a year, unless you are given a different schedule to follow. At every appointment, you receive valuable preventive care, which can help you evade problems with tooth decay and gum disease. You also receive a careful review of your smile, which can lead to the detection of problems that require restorative dental care.

Gateway Dental Group Can Help You Protect Your Gums

At Gateway Dental Group, you can count on excellent oral health support. Our practice is proud to provide comprehensive restorative and preventive care, so we can help you enjoy your best, healthiest smile. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Burds and his team at Gateway Dental Group, call our office today at (515) 244-9565. Located in Des Moines, IA, we proudly welcome patients from the Des Moines area, and surrounding communities.