We don’t often think of our gums, but they play an integral part in our oral health! Without them holding our teeth in place, we would all look so silly—as if we were all permanently sucking on lemons. More importantly, our jaws would shrink and eating food would become a difficult task. These reasons make it important to inspect your gums for diseases. Since gum disease is the No. 1 reason for tooth loss, we implore our patients to see a dentist in Metairie about their gums. Checking periodically for diseases ensures your dental health.
Periodontal Disease
One of the most common gum diseases plaguing many mouths is periodontal disease. This disease attacks the gums and bones supporting your teeth with plaque. Because if plaque is around for a period of time, it turns into calculus or tartar. As a result, this begins to destroy the gums and bones.
Some symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding or receding gums
- Loose teeth
- New spacing between teeth (can be caused by bone loss)
- Tenderness or discomfort
- And many more symptoms and signs
Most adults tend to have some form of gum disease, it just happens to have mild symptoms early on. Make sure you’re constantly checking your teeth for any of these issues. It would be a shame to see your smile suffer from a preventable disease.
Periodontal Treatment
There are a few key treatments for periodontal disease. Each depends on the type and also the severity of the disease. The disease progresses as the space between the tooth and gums fills with irritants. So, if the disease is caught in the early stages, we recommend one or two cleanings. However, if the disease progresses to more advanced stages, special cleaning is necessary.
Scaling and root planing remove irritants above and below the gum line. This treatment helps gum tissue heal and shrinks dangerous pockets. In the event that scaling and planing doesn’t help, periodontal surgery may be necessary.
Maintaining Your Teeth
Once you complete your gum disease treatment, dentists recommend regular cleanings. These usually occur four times a year. During your maintenance, your teeth will be cleaned above and below the gum line. The cleaning removes any plaque or tartar that managed to build up in hard to reach places. Above all, good oral hygiene and cleanings are essential to exceptional dental health.
Visit An Exceptional Dentist In Metairie Today
Exceptional Dental has seven locations throughout New Orleans and the surrounding cities. The Metairie location runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday. Make sure to look for our electronic sign when searching for us. Have some questions for our experienced staff? Feel free to call us at 504-733-1135. However, if you’re more interested in online interaction, please use our form here to contact us directly. Make sure to contact a dentist in Metairie soon to check your gums! Your teeth depend on it.
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