How Professional Teeth Cleanings Can Help Prevent Gum Disease: Insights from a Teeth Cleaning Dentist in Albany Park, Chicago
Gum disease is a serious health concern that should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and a host of other problems. Fortunately, preventive care in the form of regular teeth cleanings can help you get a head start on avoiding gum disease and maintaining a healthy smile.
Below, we are going to explain how you can avoid gum disease by scheduling regular visits with a teeth cleaning dentist in Albany Park, Chicago.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease — or periodontal disease — is a condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, caused by bacteria and resulting in inflammation. If left untreated, it can cause serious damage to the gums, teeth, and even the jawbone. Gum disease can often cause painful symptoms such as swelling, bleeding, bad breath, and receding gums. In severe cases, gum disease can result in the loss of teeth.
The primary cause of gum disease is bacteria from plaque. Plaque forms when food particles are not removed from the teeth properly, either through brushing or flossing. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria to form, which then causes inflammation and infection in the gums. Poor oral hygiene habits — like not brushing or visiting your teeth cleaning dentist in Albany Park, Chicago — can contribute to the buildup of plaque, resulting in gum disease.
Gum disease can also be caused by other factors, such as certain medical conditions (like diabetes), smoking, and genetics. People with a history of gum disease in their family are more likely to develop it themselves.
In its early stages, gum disease is usually painless and may go unnoticed until more severe symptoms appear. It is important to visit a dentist regularly so that any signs of gum disease can be identified and treated as soon as possible.
How Teeth Cleanings Can Prevent Gum Disease
Teeth cleanings are an important part of preventing gum disease. Your teeth cleaning dentist in Albany Park, Chicago will remove the plaque and tartar that can accumulate on the teeth over time, which can eventually lead to gum disease if it is not properly removed.
Professional cleanings also include a dental exam to check for signs of gum disease, such as redness and swelling around the gums. During this exam, the dentist may also measure the depths of the pockets between the gums and teeth to check for signs of infection or inflammation. The dentist may also take x-rays to determine if there is any bone loss, which is a sign of periodontal disease.
In addition to regular cleanings, there are other measures that can help prevent gum disease. For example, brushing and flossing twice daily helps remove plaque between the teeth and along the gum line, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash helps reduce bacteria that can lead to gum disease. A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables also promotes good oral health.
Overall, scheduling regular visits with a teeth cleaning dentist in Albany Park, Chicago is an important step in preventing gum disease. Cleanings help remove the plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease, and they allow a dentist to identify potential problems early on. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene habits like brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash can help reduce your risk of developing gum disease.
Looking for the Best Teeth Cleaning Dentist in Albany Park, Chicago?
Are you ready to take control of your oral health in 2023? If so, and if you’re ready to schedule an appointment with the best teeth cleaning dentist in Albany Park, Chicago, do not hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Ziols and the team at Smile Innovations. Contact us today at (773) 763-1000 to get started.