Maintaining optimal oral health involves more than just brushing and flossing your teeth at home. You must also see your dentist for routine cleanings to prevent issues, like gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. This condition occurs when plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, affecting the gums and the supporting tooth structures. Professional cleanings are one of the most effective ways to eliminate plaque and tartar, detect signs of gum disease early, and better understand oral hygiene habits that help prevent gum disease.
At Eckland Family Dentistry, we focus on early detection and prevention with a risk-based approach, ensuring that any signs of gum disease are addressed before they become more serious. Routine visits allow our skilled team to monitor your oral health, remove plaque and tartar buildup, and provide expert advice on maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine at home. With our comprehensive approach to dental care, we help protect your smile and prevent the long-term effects of gum disease, including tooth loss and other complications.
The Importance of Getting Regular Dental Checkups to Prevent Gum Disease
According to the National Library of Medicine, over 42% of all adults over 30 years of age have some form of gum disease. This condition often starts off mild with slight inflammation or bleeding, but if left untreated, gum disease can wear away at the tissues that support your teeth. Even if you take the best care of your teeth and gums at home, regular dental checkups are essential for preventing gum disease and protecting your oral health for the following reasons:
Early Detection
During your comprehensive dental exam at Eckland Family Dentistry, we look closely for early signs of periodontal disease and other oral health issues to treat them before they progress and weaken your gums and jawbone. With our extensive education and knowledge, we can get ahead of gum disease and treat early signs to minimize problems and maximize form, function, and health.
Effective Removal of Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms when the natural bacteria in your mouth combines with food particles. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding, and gum disease. Removing plaque and tartar at home with brushing and flossing can be challenging, so getting routine dental cleanings ensures your teeth are clean and free of the buildup that can cause gum disease.
Oral Hygiene Education
During routine dental cleanings, we discuss your current oral hygiene habits, early signs of gum disease, and what you can do to improve your oral health. With this education, you can create an improved oral hygiene routine to prevent gum disease from developing or worsening.
Personalized Treatment Options
Whether you show early signs of gum disease or have advanced periodontitis, we offer personalized treatment options tailored to your unique symptoms preferences, and health history. Our trusted professionals understand the importance of treating gum disease promptly, so we help you understand the care you need to restore your oral health.
Advanced X-Ray and Imaging Technology
In our state-of-the-art office, we use the latest X-ray and digital imaging technology to take high-quality, detailed images of your teeth, gums, and jaw during regular checkups. These high-quality images give us insights into your oral health and the root cause of your gum disease to intervene and treat this issue early.
Saliva Testing
At Eckland Family Dentistry, we test your saliva for numerous known pathogens that cause gum disease and tooth decay. Beyond that, we run genetics on your saliva to better assess your risk profile for a multitude of diseases, including oral and overall health conditions.
Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease With the Caring Dentists at Eckland Family Dentistry
Routine checkups are essential for detecting gum disease early and ensuring your smile stays healthy. At Eckland Family Dentistry, we take a unique risk-based approach to help you prevent this common condition and maintain optimal oral health. We understand every patient has different needs, so our team focuses on identifying risk factors specific to your health, lifestyle, and oral habits. With these comprehensive services, we can tailor your care to address any early signs of gum disease before they escalate, providing you with the best possible outcomes.
If it’s time for your next dental checkup, let Eckland Family Dentistry’s experienced team help protect your smile with our tailored, risk-based care. Call (425) 481-0755 today or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. Let us help you take control of your oral health with the expert care you deserve.