Why are healthy gums so important?
Healthy gums are very important because they help us to maintain our general health. The bacteria that attack the gums can travel to different parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, bloodstream, and brain. Having a heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer's, or getting cancer has been shown to have a direct link with gum disease.
How can I tell if my gums are healthy or unhealthy?
Unless you have very severe gum disease which causes symptoms like recession, bleeding, redness, and bad breath, you can't really tell if your gums are healthy or not. The only way to detect gum disease is through your dentist or hygienist.
What causes unhealthy gums?
Most of the time, unhealthy gums are caused by poor habits. Everything you inhale, eat, or drink first comes into contact with your gums, which can lead to gum disease.
Can unhealthy gums be detected?
Yes, early detection is key to successfully treating gum disease. If you're diagnosed with gum disease, don't delay or postpone treatment. It won't go away on its own and will only get more complicated.
What is involved in the process of deep cleaning teeth?
First, we numb the gums and teeth. Using an ultrasonic cavitron, we clean under and above the gums, then we do hand scaling to scrape everything out. After that, we polish the cleaned areas. We bring you back every three to four months for maintenance cleaning, and if everything goes well, you go every six months.
Why does it take more than one sitting for a dental cleaning?
This is because you get numbed, and we don't practice numbing the whole mouth at once as it's not a pleasant experience.
Is deep dental cleaning painful?
No, because you get numbed. You might feel some discomfort afterwards, but it's temporary. Treating dental and gum disease as soon as possible is key to having less discomfort and complications with your overall health.
What are the best ways to care for my gums at home after a deep cleaning?
Brush three times per day, floss thoroughly, and avoid sugary snacks and drinks. Also, visit your dentist every three to four months, or at least every six months.