Do you really need gum disease surgery in Rochester to deal with your gum disease? While surgical intervention is sometimes necessary to ensure oral health, avoiding unnecessary surgery is also a top priority. Here’s what you need to know about non-surgical interventions for gum disease and how they can help you.
Understanding Gum Disease and Its Impact
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, starts as gingivitis. This early stage often comes with inflammation, tenderness, and bad breath.[1] Without intervention, gingivitis will progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease. At this point, bacteria damage gum tissues and underlying bone, leading to gum recession and even tooth loss.[1]
One of the primary indicators of advanced gum disease is a receding gum line. Your gum tissue will begin to pull away from tooth surfaces, exposing more of the tooth and its root. Not only does this impact the appearance of your smile, but it also leaves your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity and tooth decay.
About 23% of U.S. adults have one or more teeth with over three millimeters of gum recession.[2] Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more involved gum surgery instead of less invasive treatment alternatives. Acting early allows for better oral health outcomes and reduced costs and treatment timelines.
Oral Hygiene and Gum Disease Prevention
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease or mitigate gingivitis. Brush your teeth twice a day, taking the time to cover all tooth surfaces. Also, make sure to floss twice daily to prevent bacterial buildup around the gum line.
It’s also important to remember to brush along the gum line. Gentle, circular motions allow you to clean the area thoroughly without irritation. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush helps you avoid discomfort.
You might also consider supplementing your routine with an antimicrobial mouthwash. This can further reduce bacteria levels and help you reach every nook and cranny. However, make sure to understand that mouthwash is an addition to brushing and flossing—not a replacement.
Routine Periodontal Visits and Cleanings
During regular visits to a dentist, you’ll receive an exam and a professional teeth cleaning. That cleaning helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay by removing plaque and tartar deposits where bacteria flourish. However, patients with a history of gum disease or other serious risk factors should consider routine periodontal visits.
Visiting a periodontist for regular cleanings provides more effective prevention and treatment for gum disease. Scaling and root planing, a type of deep cleaning that addresses the unique challenges posed by gum disease, can be beneficial in obstructing the progression of gum disease.
Lifestyle Habits for Healthy Gums
You can also make some simple lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of gum disease and avoid surgery in the long run. First, avoid significant risk factors such as tobacco use. Smoking weakens your immune system and significantly increases your risk of gum disease and a wide range of other oral health conditions.[3]
Moreover, focusing on your diet can make a major difference as well. For instance, you must get plenty of vitamins C and D to strengthen gum tissue and reduce inflammation.[4] You should also avoid sugary snacks that support bacterial growth. And don’t forget the importance of staying hydrated; drinking enough water throughout the day stimulates saliva production, which protects against bacteria.
Find Out More About Gum Disease Surgery in Rochester
Putting these tips into action can help you avoid the need for gum disease surgery in Rochester. However, there is a point where gum disease must be dealt with using surgical intervention.
You can get the personalized advice you need and learn more about your gum disease treatment in Rochester, NY, with a consultation at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester. Contact us online or call 585-534-3346 to get started today.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279593/
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4907322/
