How Periodontics Promotes Healthy Gums

Periodontics involves keeping the gums clean and healthy. The gums and underlying jawbone play an essential role in keeping teeth in the proper position. If these supporting structures of teeth are weakened by periodontal disease, the long-term health of teeth is in jeopardy. 

Maintaining healthy gums with periodontics

The primary focus of periodontics is on the prevention of gum disease, although restorative treatments are available for patients with periodontitis. The following are five ways that periodontics can help maintain the health of gums and the underlying jawbone to avoid the early loss of teeth.

1. Helps prevent a build-up of plaque and tartar

Plaque and tartar accumulate along the gum line and on the surfaces of teeth as a result of irregular oral care and dietary choices. Irregular dental cleanings can also enable the excess build-up of plaque and tartar. When this occurs, it can attack the gum tissue and lead to gum disease. If left untreated, periodontitis (a more severe form of gum disease) can develop. Periodontic preventive and restorative services aim to prevent and remove plaque and tartar accumulation to promote healthy gums for the long term.

2. Protects the underlying jawbone that supports teeth

Periodontal disease can affect the underlying jawbone and the health of the gums. The jawbone holds the roots of teeth in the sockets. If periodontal disease (which occurs due to bacterial attacks) damages the jawbone, the teeth are at risk of becoming loose and eventually falling out. Periodontics helps prevent damage or bone loss of the jaw.

3. Helps prevent gum recession and keeps tooth roots covered

Gum tissue that is damaged due to periodontal disease can eventually erode away, leaving the roots of teeth exposed. This can cause discomforting symptoms, such as bleeding gums, gum sensitivity, and teeth sensitivity, due to the exposure of the teeth roots. Periodontics protects the gum line and helps prevent recession from occurring.

4. Reduces the risk of deep gum pockets

Deep gum pockets occur when the areas in between teeth (gum pockets) become infected and grow deeper. This is one of the main signs of periodontitis, and it can lead to serious concerns with the long-term health of teeth if left undetected and untreated. Preventive care and restorative care can help prevent gum pockets.

5. Promotes a more aesthetically pleasing smile

An often overlooked benefit of periodontics is the cosmetic advantage that they provide. Having healthy gums enables individuals to show off a more aesthetically pleasing smile, whereas discolored and damaged gums can cause a cosmetic concern. Therefore, individuals can also consider periodontic care from a dentist to help improve and maintain the appearance of their smile.

Learn more about periodontics on your first visit

Our dental team offers periodontal exams to determine the status of your oral health and to put together a long-term treatment and prevention plan that aims to keep gums healthy. If you have not had a dental visit in the past six months or have since developed symptoms of gum disease, call our office today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.

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