Gum disease is the leading cause of premature tooth loss in adults. It begins with red, swollen gum’s and progresses to loose and shifting teeth followed by eventual tooth loss. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing after each meal can reduce your chances of developing gum disease. It is also important that you see your dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist will be able to examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay and gum disease.
Professional teeth cleanings by a Dentist in Kailua HI will remove deposits of food and bacteria from between your teeth. Aikahi Dental will also remove the plaque that can build up between the teeth and below your gum line. Most plaque can be removed with normal brushing, however, when it is not properly removed it can harden and turn into tartar. Plaque and tartar can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. The signs of gingivitis include red, swollen gum’s. They may bleed when you brush your teeth or floss. When caught in its earliest stages, gingivitis can be treated with medicated mouth washes and professional cleanings. If it is not treated promptly or treatment is not continued, it can progress into periodontitis.
Periodontitis is one of the most severe forms of gum disease. In the initial stages you may notice that your gum’s are bleeding more often or that your gum’s are receding and your teeth appear longer than they once did. Without proper treatment, your teeth will become loose and will begin to shift. You may notice that your mouth no longer closes properly or that your teeth appear to be out of alignment. Your dentist will need to perform a deep cleaning to restore your gum’s to proper health.
A deep cleaning involves the scraping of your roots to remove plaque and tartar buildup. The planing of your roots to smooth away the rough edges left by the scraping, and a thorough cleaning of the periodontal sac to remove bacteria and debris. Your Dentist in Kailua will be able to treat your gum disease so that you can keep your teeth.
