The work you put into caring for your smile protects you against tooth decay. When you maintain a truly effective routine, you also guard yourself against the onset of gingivitis, the first stage of a periodontal infection that can lead to worsening problems over time. At our Northwest IN dentist’s office, we help our patients keep their gums as well as their teeth in good shape. We can do this by providing reliable preventive care, and when necessary we can even fight an active infection by providing a scaling and root planing treatment. On your own, you can maintain a brushing and flossing routine that will stop the accumulation of bacteria at your gum line and prevent the start of an infection.

Are You Doing Enough To Prevent Gingivitis?

Problems with gingivitis are reversible, but when they are not managed properly they can lead to potentially serious consequences. Periodontal pockets can form around teeth as bacteria spread and attack supportive tissues. Fortunately, this is a problem that you can avoid when you have a good routine in place. Whenever you brush and floss, take the care to clean thoroughly at the base of your teeth. Flossing is an important part of your care, as it enables you to access and clean areas where bacteria can gather and make their way to the roots of your teeth.

Look Out For Signs Of Poor Gum Health

There are signs of poor periodontal health that you should watch for on a regular basis. You can recognize when something is wrong, then act accordingly to protect yourself. Look out for the following, as they can point to difficulties with your well-being:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Problems with tissue swelling and discoloration
• Evidence of gum line recession
• An increase in halitosis (bad breath)

Be sure to continue making and attending regular dental appointments. It is possible for you to overlook evidence of an infection. Fortunately, in the course of a visit, we can let you know that something is wrong, and discuss the appropriate response.

How Regular Dental Visits Help You Avoid Problems With Your Oral Health

At every routine dental visit, you will receive important warnings about possible dental decay or gum disease. When evidence of gingivitis is present, we can recommend that you undergo a scaling and root planing. While a regular cleaning only focuses on the portions of your teeth that reside above your gum line, this service removes bacteria that have gathered on your teeth roots. By providing this service, we can help your tissues recover before you start to experience complications.

Talk To Your Northwest IN Dentist About Gingivitis

Our practice is here to help you manage your overall oral health, which includes support for possible gum disease. To find out how we can help you, contact Healthy Smiles in Northwest IN by calling 219-938-2637!