Why are healthy gums important?
Healthy gums are incredibly important because your gums are part of the supporting system for your teeth. You can actually have very healthy teeth, absolutely no cavities, and a beautiful smile, but if your gums aren't healthy and you have periodontal disease, you can eventually lose the support around the teeth.
We also know that the health of your gums is connected to your overall health. Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with bacteria, and research has found associations between periodontal disease and conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. That's another reason why taking care of your gums and managing inflammation is important.
How can you tell if your gums are healthy?
Usually, healthy gums are firm and don't bleed easily. Some of the signs of unhealthy gums are bleeding, redness, soreness, bad breath, and gum recession. These are just some of the signs that can indicate that we need to check the health of your gums.
What's really important to know is that gum disease can sometimes have very minor signs or even no noticeable symptoms. That's why a comprehensive evaluation of the gums is important. We measure the periodontal pockets around the teeth and may take X-rays when needed to evaluate the supporting bone. That information helps us determine if periodontal disease is present.
What causes gums to become unhealthy?
Many things can contribute to unhealthy gums. One of the most common is bacterial plaque, which is a sticky film that forms around the gumline and on the teeth. If plaque isn't adequately removed, it can harden into tartar. Once tartar has formed, it can't be removed with regular brushing and flossing at home and needs professional removal.
Some people are also at higher risk of gum disease because of other factors. These can include genetics, certain medical conditions such as diabetes, some medications, dry mouth, hormonal changes, and other individual health factors. That's why examining and evaluating every patient individually is key.
Can unhealthy gums be treated?
Unhealthy gums can be treated, especially when we catch the problem early. If a patient comes in with gingivitis, which is an early form of gum disease where the supporting bone hasn't been affected, the inflammation can generally be reversed with professional care and good home hygiene.
If a patient presents with periodontitis, which is a more advanced form of gum disease where there has already been loss of the tissues and bone supporting the teeth, we can treat and manage the condition. The goal is to control the inflammation, stabilize the periodontal condition, and help limit further damage.
If you have periodontal therapy, such as scaling and root planing, or what people often call a deep cleaning, it's very important to keep your periodontal maintenance appointments afterward. Periodontitis requires ongoing management, so maintenance is an important part of keeping the condition stable.
What happens during gum therapy or a deep cleaning?
If you're diagnosed with periodontal disease and scaling and root planing is recommended, we may numb the treatment area first to help keep you comfortable. We then clean below the gumline and along the root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar from the periodontal pockets.
The goal is to reduce the bacterial buildup and create a healthier environment so the gum tissues can heal and respond to treatment.
Is it painful to get a deep cleaning?
We do our best to make it very comfortable. We can numb the area during treatment, although you may still feel some pressure or movement during the cleaning.
I always tell patients to let us know if they need a break or if they're uncomfortable for any reason. We can make adjustments along the way to help keep you as comfortable as possible. There's nothing that you need to tough out.
What should you expect after a deep cleaning?
After your deep cleaning appointment, your gums might feel a little sore from the procedure. Your teeth could also feel sensitive, especially to cold. For many patients, this soreness and sensitivity are temporary and improve as the tissues heal.
How do you take care of your gums after a deep cleaning?
After the deep cleaning, taking care of your gums at home includes brushing regularly with a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. Cleaning between the teeth is also important, but the right method can be different from patient to patient. That could involve flossing, a water flosser, or interdental brushes.
Keeping your periodontal maintenance appointments is also one of the most important parts of managing your gum health after treatment. Ongoing maintenance becomes a partnership between us here in the office and you doing the best you can at home.
When is gum grafting needed?
Gum grafting is a procedure that we may consider when you have gum recession. When the gum recedes, part of the root becomes exposed. That can cause sensitivity for some patients, and some patients may also be concerned about how the recession looks.
It's important to get gum recession evaluated, but not every case of gum recession requires gum grafting. It depends on the reason for the recession, the health of the tooth and surrounding tissues, and whether the recession is stable or continuing to progress. Based on those findings, we can determine if a gum graft or another approach is appropriate.
If you're ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we'd love to hear from you. Call us at (703) 297-4407 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.