You’ve heard about gum disease. Maybe you have a family history of this condition or risk factors you haven’t considered. You act, seeing the dentist occasionally for checkups and teeth cleanings. You even brush and floss regularly… most of the time.
Unfortunately, even short lapses in oral care can increase your gum disease risk, especially skipping professional teeth cleanings, which mitigate your risks for:
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Tooth infections
- Tooth stains
- Bad breath
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a severe oral health condition characterized by infections in the gums, specifically the periodontal ligaments and bones.
It starts as the curable condition of gingivitis. In this stage, the infections are in the tissues surrounding teeth but have not reached the jawbone. When gingivitis progresses, it is no longer curable, but treatment is essential to prevent severe complications, including tooth loss, pulmonary issues, and other systemic health complications.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
You do not have to have all these symptoms to be diagnosed with gum disease.
Professional Teeth Cleanings in Birmingham, AL, Lower Gum Disease Risks
When it comes to gum disease, there are a few risk factors, including genetics, poor oral hygiene, diabetes, tobacco use, and lack of dental care. Your dentist recommends quitting tobacco, brushing and flossing daily, getting diabetes under control if possible, and visiting our dental office every six months for dental exams and teeth cleanings.
Professional teeth cleanings during these visits eliminate bacteria and tartar, which may lead to gum disease. Even if you have genetic risk factors, teeth cleanings can reduce your odds of developing gum disease.
Schedule Your Preventive Dental Visit Today
To learn more or book your next checkup and teeth cleaning with the dentist, contact us at (205) 326-6384.
Ask us about our in-office membership plan if you don’t have insurance and our financing options.