Why Periodontal Maintenance Is Important for Gum Health

Those who want to take care of their smiles should understand the importance and benefits of periodontal maintenance. Caring for the gums can prevent a variety of oral problems, including infections that may spread to other parts of the body, so understanding the process and advantages of professional gum cleaning can help patients improve their overall oral health.

What is periodontal maintenance?

Gum disease is a serious problem for many adults in the United States. In fact, the American Academy of Periodontology notes that nearly half of people in the U.S. currently experience gum disease. Infrequent brushing, lifestyle habits, and failing to floss can lead to bleeding gums, discomfort while eating, and receding gums. Regular maintenance from a dentist can prevent these issues.

A professional gum cleaning can protect the surrounding teeth and prevent a variety of problems, including:

Gum tenderness
Redness/discoloration
Chronic bad breath

A periodontal cleaning goes further than basic gum care, removing plaque from below the gumline that can breed bacteria and lead to gingivitis. During this process, a dentist and hygienist team will clean away plaque and tartar above and below the gumline to protect teeth and the surrounding tissue. The team may also take X-rays so the dentist can identify areas that may need special attention.

What are the benefits of gum maintenance?

In many cases, periodontal maintenance can reduce the symptoms of gum disease and assist in healing gum tissue, a process that has a variety of benefits for dental patients.

Tartar removal

While brushing and flossing twice a day can prevent the formation of plaque along the gum line, it can still settle into existing gum pockets and cause further inflammation. Once tartar forms, brushing cannot eliminate it and dental tools are required for its removal. The longer tartar remains on and below the gum line, the worse gum disease usually becomes.

Improved confidence

This type of cleaning can help those who suffer from gingivitis gain new confidence when it clears away gum irritation, soothing and reducing redness, and removing stubborn stains that may cause people to show their smiles less often. The process can also eliminate bad breath caused by trapped food particles in gum pockets and help patients feel more comfortable and confident when they are close up and personal with others.

Less risk of bodily infection

When gum pockets become deep enough, bacteria can enter the bloodstream via saliva and potentially infect other organs, including the heart. This can be especially harmful to those who already suffer from chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid issues, as their immune systems may not be strong enough to fight off infection caused by oral bacteria. Dental patients can guard their overall health by scheduling gum maintenance every four to six months or as recommended by their dentist.

Conclusion

Regular periodontal maintenance that targets plaque and tartar wherever it hides can improve oral health and protect both the teeth and surrounding gum tissue. From healing gingivitis to preventative care, practicing consistent periodontal wellness can help create beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.

Request an appointment here or call Dallas Laser Dentistry at (469) 838-5292 for an appointment in our Dallas office.