What steps do you take to protect your smile? Most people brush their teeth twice a day and visit their dentist on a biannual basis. In addition to these steps, you should also remember to floss and take care of your gums. If you have noticed that this soft tissue is more sensitive or red than usual, it may be a sign of an infection. Your team at Contemporary Dental in Bellaire, TX, is here to help you improve your oral health and manage symptoms of periodontal disease.
Our Gums Protect Our Health
Our gums are the soft, pink tissue around our teeth. They help support our teeth and provide stability to our smile. In addition to these functions, they also function as a barrier between harmful bacteria and our bloodstream. Maintaining healthy gingivae can help protect you from infections, tooth loss, and other significant concerns. At home, you can protect the tissue with a consistent oral hygiene routine and healthy habits. Remember to also visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup. Your dentist may be able to recommend additional treatments, such as grafting or implants, if you have experienced severe stages of periodontal disease.
When You Need Deep Cleanings
Periodontal disease is an infection that can damage your soft tissues. This starts as gingivitis, which happens when plaque and tartar builds up around the gingivae. Gingivitis may be recognized if you have symptoms such as red or swollen tissue, bleeding, or bad breath. If you have gingivitis, you will need deep cleanings to reverse these symptoms and protect your smile. Scaling and root planing treatments involve removing plaque buildup and smoothing the roots of your teeth. These steps can help improve your symptoms as well as prevent the gums from pulling away from the teeth. If you currently have mild to moderate periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend regularly scheduled deep cleanings to best manage your symptoms. Unfortunately, periodontal disease cannot be reversed but it can be managed with improved oral health and deep cleanings.
Contouring Treatments Reshape Your Smile
If you have a “gummy” smile, there may be an excess amount of gingivae that covers your teeth. This can make it difficult to properly floss and can also create some cosmetic concerns. We may be able to reshape this tissue with cosmetic contouring. With this treatment, your dentist will gently remove and reshape the tissue around your tooth using gentle tools. This procedure can often be completed in one appointment and has a short healing time. After treatment, your smile may look more even, and it can be easier to maintain healthy gums.
Talk To Our Team To Learn More
We’re here to help you maintain a healthy smile. To learn more about our services, call Contemporary Dental in Bellaire, TX, today at 713-668-9119.