If you monitor your gums for signs of disease, like bleeding, swelling or redness, you may be able to avoid a more aggressive periodontal treatment. Early stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, usually responds to a thorough professional cleaning that you can get at your dentist.
Seeing your dentist every six months will help you stay on top of gum disease and increase your chances of having it diagnosed in milder forms. When your gums are monitored regularly, a professional can intervene before the gum disease has the opportunity to progress.
Another consideration about periodontal treatment is that a general dentist can typically address gingivitis, but when more significant symptoms emerge, such as pockets between the gums and the teeth, the patient may need to get care from a periodontist. This specialized type of care can be more expensive and require more time for recuperation, neither of which is likely to appeal to patients.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to avoid advanced gum disease. First of all, maintain a thorough home oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing. You should also visit our office at least every six months for professional cleanings as well as exams. In combination, these actions can significantly reduce your risk of periodontitis.
Patients who want to prevent the negative effects of periodontitis and other severe forms of gum disease should pay attention to symptoms they may notice at home as well as check in with our office for exams and cleanings at least every six months. If you’ve gotten out of the habit of semi-annual routine appointments, call us at the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan to schedule one and get back on track.