Your Warwick, RI dentist is a good place to get information about periodontic care and gum health. You may be surprised to learn that almost 80% of Americans suffer from some type of gum disease. Gum disease may be in the form a simple inflammation or a serious type of periodontal disease than injures the soft tissues supporting the teeth as well as the bone and gums. Early detection of the disease can help prevent tooth loss. One type of periodontic treatment that can help keep your gums healthy is called prophylaxis.
Prophylaxis is another name for a thorough teeth cleaning procedure performed by your dentist in Warwick, RI. Proper dental cleanings can slow the progress of periodontal disease and help prevent gingivitis. For patients who are suffering from periodontal disease, an anesthetic may be necessary during the procedure. During this procedure, the dentist will clean the area above the gumline, removing any build-up of plaque. The dentist may also clean the gums pockets and below the gumline for patients who have periodontal disease. The dentist also will use a procedure called root planing to smooth the teeth and remove any remaining bacteria that can make periodontal disease worse. After scaling and root planing, the dentist applies antibiotic cream in the gum pockets to promote healing and ease discomfort. If you suffer from periodontal disease, you should have the prophylaxis procedure performed at least once every three months.
For patients who have not yet developed gum disease, scheduling regular visits with the dentist is important for maintaining gum and tooth health. If you neglect your teeth, you are taking the risk of developing gum disease. Periodontal disease is not something to be taken lightly. Taking care of your gums and teeth may also prevent other health problems. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that recent research studies have linked the inflammation caused by periodontal disease to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Managing and preventing periodontal disease may also prevent you from developing these other health problems.
While your Warwick, RI dentist can give you the best periodontic treatments for preventing gum disease – this alone is not enough. You should make sure you go through proper dental hygiene procedures at home. This includes using fluoride toothpaste twice a day, flossing your teeth regularly, proper diet and stop using any tobacco products. Regular dental visits are also very important in keeping your gums healthy and preventing periodontal disease. If the dentist catches the disease early, he can usually give you treatments that will prevent any further damage to your gums.
Warwick Family Dental Group offers comprehensive dental care, including dental fillings, dental implants and more by qualified dentist in Warwick, RI.
