There are more reasons to see your dentist than just to find out if you have cavities. While it is important for you to know if dental decay is an issue, there are other threats to your smile that you should know about, including threats from gum disease. At our Irving, TX dental practice, we can provide updates about your periodontal and dental health. Learning about issues with gingivitis will lead to timely care so that your condition does not worsen. That means you can receive the right support without running the risk for frustrating complications that require the attention of a specialist.

Why Should You Worry About Gingivitis?

If you want to fully protect your smile and avoid problems that can negatively impact your appearance and general health, you should think about the potential impact that gum disease can have on your overall well-being. In time, gingivitis—the initial infection of your gums—can become more severe, and that can make it more difficult to manage. Tooth loss is one of several consequences of not taking your periodontal health seriously. The good news is that with your regular dental exams, you receive updates about your periodontal health. When a problem is identified in time, we can even target it through scaling and root planing.

What To Count On During A Routine Dental Exam

Your dentist will look for the signs of gum disease when evaluating your oral health. These signs include issues like periodontal bleeding, tissue swelling, and changes in the color of your gums. You can also experience issues with deepening periodontal pockets. If we determine that it will be necessary to do so, we can provide a scaling and root planing, a service that removes bacteria from the roots of your teeth so that they are not able to cause any further harm to the surrounding tissues.

Preventing Gingivitis Between Appointments

To keep your smile safe between appointments, think about what you can do to protect your gums whenever you brush and floss. While brushing, take care to move the bristles over the areas where your teeth and gums meet. As you floss, be sure to work over the gum line by moving the string vertically.

Talk To Your Irving, TX Dentist About Setting Up A Checkup To Discuss Your Dental And Periodontal Health

Through your regular dental exams and cleanings, you can find out about many different concerns; fortunately, when oral health problems are caught early, treating them becomes less difficult. We can provide a timely warning about gingivitis and respond with the appropriate care so that your infection does not grow more severe. If you would like to learn more or book your next visit, please reach out to Defining Smiles in Irving, TX today at 972-717-0860.