Harmful oral bacteria can affect our grins in more ways than one. While the first thing to come to mind for most individuals is how their teeth are affected, oral health actually refers to all components present in the mouth, including the cheeks, tongue, throat, and gums. What’s more, all of these components must be routinely checked and taken into consideration during your dental visit, as any sign of harm or threat can affect your entire smile. In today’s blog, your Northwest IN dentist at Healthy Smiles would like to discuss ways in which you can protect your gums in particular through a deep cleaning.

Removing Bacteria from Roots

Oral bacteria are present in everyone’s smiles, and it is up to you and your dentist to keep them at bay with a treatment plan that balances preventive care at home, routine checkups, and even takes into account your diet. These microorganisms thrive in places that are moist, warm, and difficult to reach or clean, making the gums an ideal hot spot. When these bacteria weasel their way underneath the gum line, however, that is when the major problem begins. Here, they attach themselves to the roots of your teeth where they are essentially safe from harm, as it is extremely difficult and unsafe to attempt to clean beneath the line yourself. If they are left untouched, they will begin to infect not only your tooth roots but the surrounding tissues that house them, causing significant consequences such as inflamed, discolored, or bleeding gums, disconnection from teeth, and even tooth loss. Indeed, periodontal disease is not one to take lightly, and is one of the most common oral concerns there is, affecting roughly 3 million Americans every year. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.

Smoothing to Prevent Reattachment

While periodontal disease is a serious concern, it can be identified early on with routine checkups and care, affording the ability to manage and, hopefully, clear the condition with the process of scaling and root planing.

When you attend your appointment, your dentist will begin by carefully but thoroughly removing deposits of harmful bacteria from the roots. After this, your dentist will smooth the surface of the roots in order to prevent future bacteria from attaching as easily. The process will take more than one visit, and your dentist will create a treatment plan with you accordingly before getting started. For more information, contact our team today.

Increasing Your Smile’s Lifespan

While periodontal disease is one of the most common dental concerns, it can be managed if caught early on. Contact Healthy Smiles in Northwest IN by calling 219-938-2637 to find out how your smile can benefit from a deep clean.