How to Prevent Gingivitis

Routine Dental Exams to Avoid Gingivitis

Visiting a dental clinic is one of the most important decisions a person can make.

Gingivitis ails millions of people and it’s best to take action as soon as possible without letting things deteriorate. In such situations, it’s often recommended to seek routine dental exams and have them scheduled throughout the year.

Here’s more on gingivitis, routine exams, and why it’s important to stay on top of your oral health.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gums. In most cases, this is stimulated by an underlying infection. Please note that the aggressive version of this infection goes by the name “periodontitis.”

Most adults deal with some form of gingivitis or periodontitis which lead to numerous consequences such as bad breath and eventual tooth decay/loss. This can have a damaging impact on one’s overall health and budget.

Gingivitis occurs when the sulcus (space below the visible gum line) where bacteria get trapped. Since the teeth go deeper into the gums, this causes the roots to become inflamed. Over time, the bacteria spread around the teeth and start to do a tremendous amount of damage.

As long as quick action is taken, gingivitis can be managed before the teeth are damaged/separated. Since the surrounding soft tissues are exposed in the oral cavity, any type of infection has a momentous impact on your health. Instead of letting the tooth become infected to the point of no return, it’s best to take action as soon as possible.

Routine Dental Exams

This is where routine dental exams come into action.

Routine dental exams are scheduled at various points of the year (semi-annual/annual) and involve the use of specialized dental equipment (mouth mirrors, high-intensity lights). The dentist is trained to spot potential gingivitis and/or related symptoms.

The routine dental exam will begin with a simple review of your medical history (i.e. potential illnesses, allergies) followed by a thorough dental examination. Once this is done, dental equipment is gently used to spot underlying gum/bone decay indicating gingivitis/periodontal disease. If spotted, the dentist will move forward with a personalized treatment.

Benefits of a Routine Dental Exam

1) Keep Tabs on Oral Health
The main benefit is being able to stay on top of your oral health at all times. No one likes the idea of spending thousands of dollars correcting dental issues. Therefore, it’s best to take advantage of your oral health with routine dental exams.

2) Specialized Diagnosis
The dentist has years of expertise in diagnosis of gingivitis, which ensures the teeth will remain in good health for years to come. Anytime there’s a lingering issue, the dentist is able to spot these issues in a matter of minutes.

3) First Step to Treatment
Routine dental exams are the first step in your journey towards healthier, stronger teeth. Otherwise, the issue is going to linger and worsen with time. By going to a trusted dental professional, you’re able to treat gingivitis before it leads to serious discomfort. Start with a scheduled dental exam and move forward with a reliable treatment plan.

Dental Office in Greenbelt, MD

John Powers, DMD
8955 Edmonston Rd Suite N
Greenbelt, MD 20770

John Powers, DMD specializes in helping patients attain overall wellness by providing the best oral care, including periodontal care. Visit our website (https://johnpowersdmd.com) to schedule an appointment for your regular cleaning!