Medically Reviewed By: Elizabeth Felts Randall, DMD, MS
Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential for a healthy smile. Proper oral hygiene is crucial, but more is needed to prevent gum disease entirely. It is important to know that even with brushing and flossing, the risk of gum disease remains. Understanding why this happens is key to maintaining excellent oral health and seeking professional gum disease treatment when needed.
The Root Cause of Gum Disease
The root cause of gum disease is the accumulation of plaque, a bacterial film. While brushing and flossing are crucial in removing plaque and safeguarding your gums, they may not address every issue entirely. Even with detailed attention, small remnants of food particles and bacteria can linger, particularly in the hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth and along the gumline. Hidden factors can sometimes also be missed in your oral care routines. Genetics and lifestyle decisions like smoking, nutrition, and hormones can also affect the health of your gums.
The Limitations of Brushing and Flossing
Although regular brushing and flossing are effective in removing a substantial amount of bacteria and debris, it can be challenging to fully eradicate them. Even with the most careful techniques, minuscule bacteria and plaque can accumulate at the tooth base close to the roots, potentially leading to gum disease over time. These challenges highlight the importance of cleanings which can effectively remove plaque before it poses any harm.
The Significance of Professional Cleanings
Preventing gum disease requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond regular at-home care. Routine professional cleanings and dental checkups are essential because they allow for the removal of tartar and bacterial plaque that toothbrushes and floss cannot reach. During these visits, your dentist or periodontist will use specialized tools to clean beneath the gumline and between teeth, areas commonly missed during everyday brushing and flossing. Dentists or periodontists can recommend gum disease treatment by spotting these indicators before they contribute to tooth loss.
Ensuring the Longevity of Your Smile
Maintaining diligent at-home oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing is undoubtedly beneficial; however, it is not foolproof against gum disease. Residual bacteria and plaque can still pose a risk to your oral health, necessitating professional intervention at least twice a year.
At Chattanooga Periodontics & Dental Implants, we specialize in comprehensive gum disease treatment that complements your daily routine, promoting the health and vibrancy of your smile. With routine professional cleanings and examinations, we can manage plaque buildup effectively and catch early signs of progressing gum disease. Discover how our targeted treatments can protect and enhance your oral health. Visit our Gum Disease Treatment page for more information and to see how we can help tailor a preventive care regimen that works best for you.
