There are many ways that a general dentist can promote gum health. Your gums play an important role in supporting your teeth and providing a barrier against harmful bacteria, so it is critical that they remain healthy and strong. Keeping your gums healthy can also help prevent tooth loss and decrease heart attack risk. The plaque and tartar on your gums can also accumulate in your arteries, which can cause a heart attack. Maintaining healthy gums also combats bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Let's take a closer look at the importance of gum health and what it means for your overall oral well-being.
Never underestimate the value of professional dental cleaning. Your first professional cleaning includes removing all traces of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. This procedure is known as scaling and root planing. Scaling will remove tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gums. Root planing will remove the bacteria produced by inflammation, smooth the root surfaces, discourage the further buildup of tartar and bacteria, and allow proper healing. Your dentist may use instruments, a laser, or an ultrasonic device to perform the procedure.
Dental restoration refers to getting your teeth back to proper function. Misaligned teeth or dental crowns, bridges, or other dental restorations that fit poorly may irritate your gums and make it harder to remove plaque during daily brushing and flossing. If there are problems with your teeth or dental restorations that contribute to your gum health issues, your dentist may recommend fixing these problems.
In some distance, you may benefit from ongoing dental care. Gingivitis and other gum health issues usually clear up after a thorough professional cleaning, but you must also implement good oral hygiene habits into your daily routine at home. Your dentist can help you plan an effective at-home dental care program and a schedule of regular professional checkups and cleanings.
If you stay consistent with your oral hygiene at home, you should see your gums return to a healthy pink color within days or weeks. Some good habits to keep in mind are regular flossing, brushing, and the use of mouthwash. Remember to use soft-bristle brushes and ensure that your toothpaste includes fluoride. Ask your dentist about any other hygiene habits you should have that are specific to your dental needs.
There is an important conversation for you to have with your dentist during your routine visits. It's a good idea to be prepared for this talk so that you know what to consider as well as what questions you may have for him or her.
Your dentist will ask you questions, such as:
There are also some questions that you should be asking your general dentist:
It's important to have good communication with your dentist so that you are both on the same page regarding your oral health and treatment plans. Be prepared to discuss your oral health in-depth and provide as much feedback as possible. Doing so will ensure that you get the best treatment possible and that your teeth are kept healthy well into the future.
These are the things your general dentist can do to help you manage gum health issues. It's important that you visit your dentist twice per year, and that you also let them know about any changes in your oral health in-between visits. Be sure to ask your dentist any questions you may have, such as the ones listed above. This will go a long way in promoting high-quality oral hygiene practices.
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