Taking Care Of Your Gums

Taking Care Of Your Gums

Welcome back to the Total Dental Care of South Carolina blog.

If you are looking for a dentist in Columbia, SC that you can trust with your family’s preventative care, then we are the place for you.

We will provide you with plenty of good education and tools to do your part at home by practicing good oral hygiene.

Then you must let us do our part by examining and cleaning your teeth in our office every 3-6 months.

Your appointments are important since that is the one chance we get to see if there are any emerging issues in your mouth that are cause for concern. Plus, our professional cleanings can eradicate any lingering tartar, plaque, and bacteria that you can’t get on your own Such things, if left unattended, will contribute to bigger problems like cavities and gum disease.

Whether you give it much thought or not, healthy gums are an integral part of your overall wellness.

Unhealthy gums are linked to serious conditions like heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. And more commonly, gum disease can develop to the point where your teeth become dislodged and begin falling out. Trust us, that is not a situation you will want to deal with at any stage in life.

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up On You

Did you know that gum disease actually starts with a plaque build-up near your gum line?

The harmful bacteria in plaque will irritate the soft tissues, causing inflammation, swelling, and mild bleeding.

This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and it is quite treatable if caught.

However, if that plaque is not removed and the inflammation is left untreated, your gums will begin to pull away from your teeth and form pockets.

By now you will be facing full-blown periodontal disease.

During this stage, the pockets will trap more and more bacteria, worsening the infection.

It won’t be long before the bone supporting your teeth is ravaged, which is what causes your teeth to loosen and fall out. At that point you will need to find replacement teeth solutions (like dental implants) in addition to treating the gum disease.

Who Is At Risk?

Everyone with gums is at risk for gum disease! Most Americans are afflicted with some level of it in their lifetime.

Gum disease is definitely more common in adults, but it really can occur at any age. That’s why we are so adamant about the need to visit Total Dental Care of South Carolina often.

We want to be able to spot the earliest signs of gum disease and reverse it with the right treatment plan before it becomes a more painful and costly experience for you.

What Are The Symptoms Of Gum Disease?

The symptoms of gum disease include: tender and swollen gums; gums that bleed when you brush or floss; chronic bad breath; a consistently bad taste in your mouth; loose teeth as an adult; and receding gums.

If you notice any of those signs, call your Columbia, SC dentist right away.

What Can Be Done About Gum Disease?

Losing teeth and developing major health issues as the result of gum disease does not have to be your fate.

The easiest way to prevent gum disease is by being diligent about your oral health practices. That means, brush and floss daily, rinse when you can with a fluoride mouthwash, and visit your dentist at least twice a year.

If gum disease does start to develop in your mouth, gingivitis can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional cleaning. Our advanced techniques and tools are the only guaranteed way to obliterate any plaque that has already hardened into tartar.

For advanced gum disease, it will depend on your unique situation, but root planing is normally recommended.

For this treatment, we employ a special instrument to clean the tooth roots and make it hard for bacteria to stick to the surface.

Antibiotics may also be used to treat the infection itself.

No matter what you are dealing with, we will make it as pain-free and comfortable as possible to get you back on track and restore the health of your gums.

Make Your Next Appointment Now!

Schedule a checkup today at Total Dental Care of South Carolina.

Call us at 803-272-4162 or contact us online to make your appointment without picking up the phone.

The post Taking Care Of Your Gums appeared first on Total Dental Care of South Carolina.