With the holidays just around the corner and family gatherings in sight, many individuals will be indulging in delicious seasonal treats. While you may be practicing excellent preventive care at home, keep in mind that a number of factors contribute to your smile’s health, including diet, beverage consumption, and more. The truth of the matter is that our grins actually endure a significant amount of wear and tear over the years that can cause a variety of concerns such as cavities, tooth decay, and even infections and loss. In fact, if you are experiencing sensitivity around your teeth or inflammation or bleeding from your gums, your Brighton, MA dentist at Brighton Family Dental Group, LLP may recommend the need for periodontal cleaning.
The Effects of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is actually one of the most common oral concerns out there, affecting roughly 3 million adults in the United States annually. While the disease can be prevented and managed if detected early on, many adults do not seek treatment before it is too late and they begin to experience a variety of symptoms. These include inflamed, discolored, and bleeding gums, teeth separating from the tissues that house them, and even tooth loss. All of this is caused by harmful oral bacteria that nestle below the gum line and eat away at the bond between them and your teeth.
Not only can these bacteria cause issues with your oral health, but they can affect your overall health as well, causing an increased risk of heart attack, respiratory disease, stroke, and even Alzheimer’s disease. If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned side effects or other issues with your gums, contact our team right away.
Cleaning Beneath the Gums
As a method to prevent the development and spread of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. This procedure is more in-depth than a regular cleaning and will require more than one visit to complete. During this process, your dentist will carefully but thoroughly clean below the gum line, removing any traces of harmful oral bacteria that have latched onto the roots of your teeth. After this, the root will be smoothed and polished so as to prevent bacteria from reattaching as easily. After all sections of the mouth are complete, you will be on your way to a healthier, happier grin.
Preventing Further Infection
It is never acceptable to let your oral health take the back seat, and many conditions or concerns can be managed or treated if acted upon in a timely manner. To learn more about preventing periodontal disease or to schedule your visit with our team, contact Brighton Family Dental Group, LLP in Brighton, MA by calling 617-562-5210 today.
