Gum disease is a major hassle that you should absolutely try to avoid. Gingivitis is the product of bacteria building on and inside of the gum line. When you fail to maintain a proper home care routine or see a dentist regularly, you may fall victim to gum disease. If left unchecked, gingivitis can worsen and develop into periodontitis. The health ramifications are very serious. This condition can affect not only your mouth, but other parts of your body as well. Studies have indicated there may be a connection between periodontitis and an increased risk for heart disease. If you catch gum disease in its beginning stages, you’ll want to treat it quickly and effectively. Here’s what you should know.

Catching Gum Disease Early Is Your Best Bet

If your dentist can diagnose your gum disease while still in the gingivitis stage, there’s a good chance you can reverse the condition and return your teeth and gums to their original, healthy state. That’s why it’s so important to see your dentist regularly. If your dentist does catch gum disease in its early form, they will likely recommend scaling and root planing. This treatment cleans inside the gum line to remove the plaque buildup that causes sustained inflammation in the area.

When Gum Disease Turns Into Periodontitis, Things Get More Difficult

Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis is not reversible. With proper care and treatment, you can avoid the more drastic effects of this condition, like tooth loss. However, it will be a constant battle. That’s why it’s so vital that you catch it early on. The best case scenario is that you avoid any form of gum disease altogether. You can do this by brushing and flossing regularly and making biannual visits to your dentist for cleanings and checkups.

Keep Your Gums Clean with the Help of a Professional

If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, schedule an appointment with your dentist pronto. Dimples Dental can help you avoid long-term health problems with regular cleanings.