When you hear about conditions like heart disease or diabetes, you immediately can see how life-changing and potentially life-shortening they can be. In other words, you may be more interested in learning how to avoid these conditions or how to treat them. Although you may not realize it, gum disease can have serious and devastating impacts on your smile and your overall health. If you already have this infection, you should ask your dentist these important questions to understand gum disease, its treatment, and prevention in the future.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Unless you understand how you contracted the infection in the first place, you may repeat your mistakes. Most of the time, gum disease develops because bacteria-filled plaque is allowed to build up in your mouth. Typically, this can happen when you aren’t practicing proper oral hygiene; even with daily brushing, if you don’t floss, between your teeth can harbor the infection-causing bacteria.
Other habits or actions, like smoking or vaping, consuming too much sugar, being dehydrated, and more, can encourage bacterial growth and increase your risk of gum disease. Without treatment, you will eventually lose your natural teeth and heighten
Do You Offer Sedation?
Clearing out hidden pockets of plaque can require going deep against the tooth. This part of the tooth isn’t protected with enamel, which means these roots tend to be more sensitive. To keep you calm and comfortable during treatment, your dentist will likely use local anesthetic, but a sedative can help as well. Even a gentle sedation option like nitrous oxide can take the edge off your anxiety and give you extra pain relief.
How Often Will I Need Follow-Up Treatment?
Although you would likely prefer to get all gum disease treatment done in one appointment, you may require several rounds of treatment until the infection is under control. Bacteria are microscopic and can develop quickly, so your dentist may not resolve every bit in the first attempt. However, with repeated periodontal therapy, gum disease doesn’t have to devastate your smile.
Can Gum Disease Come Back?
Unfortunately, gum disease can return. In fact, there isn’t a true “cure,” because bacteria (both good and bad) are almost always growing throughout your body. Although risk of reinfection remains, the good news is that you can limit its effect by making certain lifestyle changes, namely:
- Being treated and examined by your dentist more frequently.
- Brushing twice per day for two minutes each time.
- Flossing at least once per day.
- Stopping harmful habits like smoking or vaping.
- Keeping your sugar consumption to a minimum.
- Eating a nutritious diet.
- Drinking more water.
It is worth taking time to discuss these questions and anything else you’d like to know about gum disease. The more you understand it, the better you can protect yourself from harm. With a stronger smile, you can enjoy a higher quality of life as well as a longer life expectancy!
About the Practice
Williamsburg Dental is dedicated to serving Lincoln area patients with comprehensive dental services, ranging from routine preventive care to gum disease treatment to complex restorative services like dental implants. With six locations, you’re sure to find one near your home, work, or both! If you have questions about gum disease or need treatment to save your smile, don’t hesitate to contact your preferred location directly to set an appointment.