Everyone knows that it is important to take care of their teeth. That means seeing your dentist once or twice a year for regular checkups and teeth cleanings and using proper home care like brushing and flossing. Dentists in Everett, WA often teach their patients the proper way to brush, floss, and instruct them on other areas of home dental care.
Why do dentists teach people how to take care of their teeth at home and recommend regular dental checkups and cleanings? It is more than just about having a nice smile. It is about your oral health, your heart health, and the prevention of various health issues. Tooth decay is more than just about getting a cavity in a tooth. When a diseased tooth is not addressed immediately and repaired or restored, it affects the surrounding teeth and eventually the supporting jawbone.
When proper dental care is not used or when patients have genetic issues, medical issues, or take certain medications, periodontal disease can become a serious problem. Where you might see it as a simple case of gingivitis, it is not. Dentists at Dental Care in Everett, WA provide periodontal services to prevent other health problems from arising. What can happen if periodontal disease spreads?
Periodontal disease occurs under the gum line. It starts with the severe buildup of tartar and plaque due to the lack of teeth cleanings and/or dental care at home. This buildup of plaque and tartar will start to affect the bones of the jaw which support the teeth. Gingivitis is the first sign of periodontal disease, but often goes unnoticed unless your dentist catches it upon examination. Gingivitis does not initially come with any symptoms. Dentists in Everett, WA will notice any changes in your gum line. Bleeding, loose teeth, and loss of jawbone density are signs of periodontal disease.
While there are ways to replace lost teeth due to periodontal disease and treatments to manage it, there is no real cure for it. It is better to prevent periodontal disease by taking care of your teeth than it is to have periodontal treatments like scaling and planning. If you suffer with gingivitis or want to prevent it, Dental Care in Everett, WA provide quality preventative dental services as well as general, cosmetic, emergency, surgery, orthodontics, and other full-service dentistry.