Las Vegas Dentist - Prevent From Gum Disease

March 13, 2013 - PRLog -- As Las Vegas dentists will tell you, following proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing gum disease. As with all preventive dentistry, which refers to the prevention of decay and gum disease, good oral hygiene begins with your home care. Both brushing and flossing daily remove buildups of plaque that cause decay and gum disease. In addition to home care, it is important to get your teeth and gums examined regularly along with professional cleanings.

Types Of Gum Disease

There are two types of gum disease, both of which can be treated by Las Vegas Dentist. Gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease, but left untreated, it can turn into the more serious form of gum disease, periodontitis. Gingivitis occurs when plaque builds up along the gum line. This causes irritation and inflammation of the gums and it can cause them to become more prone to bleeding when brushing, flossing, or even eating. Brushing and flossing will remove plaque along the gum line that causes gingivitis.

Periodontitis can cause tooth loss. It evolves from gingivitis and results when plaque along the gum line invades the area below the gum line. Because of the bacteria in the plaque, a breakdown can occur of the gums. This causes gums to recede, and makes gums inflamed and swollen. The bacteria can also cause the tissues that support the teeth to erode, which can cause teeth to become loose. Without the support of the gums and attaching tissues, the teeth can eventually fall out.

Causes Of Gum Disease

The primary cause of gingivitis is plaque, which is a coating of soft film that covers your teeth. Plaque is a natural result of eating, as the food particles combine with your saliva. Plaque contains bacteria as well as acid, and both can erode the enamel that protects your teeth. This can weaken teeth and cause decay resulting in infections and cavities. Plaque can also build up around your gum line, and the bacteria irritates your gums, causing inflammation and swelling. If not treated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis if not treated.

Home Prevention

Brushing after each meal and flossing twice per day helps to eliminate much of the plaque that remains in your mouth after eating and drinking. A rinse that contains fluoride will help strengthen teeth and enamel, and it will help eliminate bacteria in the mouth also. However, not all of the plaque can be removed by brushing, flossing, and rinsing. The plaque hardens, forming a substance called tartar, or calculus. As much as you brush and floss, tartar cannot be removed once it has formed. Only a dental procedure provided by your Las Vegas Dentist and involving special tools can remove tartar.

Dental Office Prevention

When first arriving, a hygienist will x-ray your teeth and gums to ensure that plaque has not built up below your gum line. To begin removing tartar, your Las Vegas Dentist or hygienist will first use an ultrasonic tool that is used to remove larger pieces of tartar. Then the mouth is removed to rinse away all of the loosened pieces of tartar. Next, a tool called a scaler will be used to scrape away the remaining pieces of tartar from the teeth. A paste is then applied to the teeth, followed by a polishing, to make your teeth smooth and shiny.

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