Periodontal disease is one of the most common afflictions in this country, affecting almost half of Americans over the age of 30. Stigma, combined with other factors, often leads people to avoid seeking treatment for their condition. As this situation tends to worsen over time, the best time to take action is now.
If you have noticed any recession in your gums, or any tenderness or pain, make sure to bring this up with your oral health care provider. Take their tips on how to continue to maintain your gumline for your future. If your recession has deepened significantly, they may suggest a gum graft, which surgically moves your tissue back to a healthy gumline. Today, your Newport Beach, CA dentist explains the necessity to maintain your periodontal tissue and what we can do to bring your smile to its healthiest!
Ways To Maintain
Preventive care is always best in the field of dentistry, so stopping periodontal disease before it occurs is your greatest chance of keeping a healthy gumline. This starts with a rigorous daily oral health regimen, which includes twice daily brushing. Be sure that you are brushing before you sleep, if you eat after your nightly brushing. Leaving those remnants of food between your teeth and in the harder to find areas of your mouth can do serious damage.
Flossing is also very important in keeping your gums safe and strong. The most benefit can come before one of your times for brushing. But people can do it whenever they feel comfortable, to ensure that they are actually flossing. It can actually make for a nice meditative rest mid-day during work!
Initial Stages
The first step in the development of periodontal disease is what is known as gingivitis. This starts with some redness and tenderness at the location, so always make sure to take a deep look at your mouth from time to time, to just note any changes that may occur. Write these down and take them to your dentist, as they can be a huge benefit for your dentist in diagnosing smaller concerns.
A Surgical Solution
For people who already have a significant amount of gum recession, the most likely solution is a gum graft. This includes firstly the cleaning of the site, with the removal of any damaged or diseased tissue. Then the remaining gum will be pulled up to a healthy level and attached. If you need more tissue than is available in that area, then we will identify a donor site, usually in your soft palate. We can transplant this material, and it will grow into your existing gums!
Both of these procedures have about a week’s recovery time. You will need to stick to the soft diet given to you by your oral care provider. But you should be able to nearly immediately go back to normal activities, whether work or fun!
Find A Solution Today!
If you want to know how we can help you renew your gums, or to schedule an appointment, please give Dr. Hofkes at Balboa Dental Surgery a call at (949)630-0143. Or stop by our office here in Newport Beach, CA!
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