What a General Dentist Does to Promote Gum Health

General Dentist New York, NY

There are many ways that a general dentist can promote gum health. Your gums play an important role in supporting your teeth and providing a barrier against harmful bacteria, so it is critical that they remain healthy and strong. Keeping your gums healthy can also help prevent tooth loss and decrease heart attack risk. The plaque and tartar on your gums can also accumulate in your arteries, which can cause a heart attack. Maintaining healthy gums also combats bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. Let's take a closer look at the importance of gum health and what it means for your overall oral well-being. 

Professional dental cleaning

Never underestimate the value of professional dental cleaning. Your first professional cleaning includes removing all traces of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. This procedure is known as scaling and root planing. Scaling will remove tartar and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gums. Root planing will remove the bacteria produced by inflammation, smooth the root surfaces, discourage the further buildup of tartar and bacteria, and allow proper healing. Your dentist may use instruments, a laser, or an ultrasonic device to perform the procedure.

Dental restoration (if needed)

Dental restoration refers to getting your teeth back to proper function. Misaligned teeth or dental crowns, bridges, or other dental restorations that fit poorly may irritate your gums and make it harder to remove plaque during daily brushing and flossing. If there are problems with your teeth or dental restorations that contribute to your gum health issues, your dentist may recommend fixing these problems.

Ongoing care

In some distance, you may benefit from ongoing dental care. Gingivitis and other gum health issues usually clear up after a thorough professional cleaning, but you must also implement good oral hygiene habits into your daily routine at home. Your dentist can help you plan an effective at-home dental care program and a schedule of regular professional checkups and cleanings.

If you stay consistent with your oral hygiene at home, you should see your gums return to a healthy pink color within days or weeks. Some good habits to keep in mind are regular flossing, brushing, and the use of mouthwash. Remember to use soft-bristle brushes and ensure that your toothpaste includes fluoride. Ask your dentist about any other hygiene habits you should have that are specific to your dental needs. 

Important discussions

There is an important conversation for you to have with your dentist during your routine visits. It's a good idea to be prepared for this talk so that you know what to consider as well as what questions you may have for him or her.

 Your dentist will ask you questions, such as:

  • When did symptoms of your gum health issues start?
  • Have your symptoms been occasional or continuous?
  • How often do you brush your teeth?
  • How often do you floss your teeth?
  • How often do you see a dentist?
  • What medical conditions do you have?
  • What medications, vitamins, and supplements do you take?

There are also some questions that you should be asking your general dentist:

  • Do you think gingivitis is the cause of my symptoms?
  • Do I need any tests? What kinds of tests?
  • Will my insurance cover the treatments you are recommending?
  • What are the alternatives to what you're suggesting?
  • What can I do to keep my gums and teeth healthy?
  • What kind of toothpaste, toothbrush, and dental floss do you recommend?
  • Should I use mouthwash?
  • Are there any dietary or activity restrictions I need to follow?
  • Are there any websites or brochures I can go to for resources?

It's important to have good communication with your dentist so that you are both on the same page regarding your oral health and treatment plans. Be prepared to discuss your oral health in-depth and provide as much feedback as possible. Doing so will ensure that you get the best treatment possible and that your teeth are kept healthy well into the future. 

Where to begin to promote gum health

These are the thing your general dentist can do to help you manage gum health issues. It's important that you visit your dentist twice per year, and that you also let them know about any changes in your oral health in-between visits. Be sure to ask your dentist any questions you may have, such as the ones listed above. This will go a long way in promoting high-quality oral hygiene practices. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.newyorkdentaloffice.com or call New York Dental Office at (212) 548-3261 for an appointment in our New York office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in New York, NY.

Recent Posts

How Dental Bonding Is Used In General Dentistry

When it comes to general dentistry, you do not want to miss out on checkups and treatments. Your oral health is important, and the dentist plays a key role in your wellness. Avoiding the dentist can lead to severe problems, not only with your teeth and gums but with your overall well-being. The dentist will…

What To Expect During A Dental X-Ray

Dental x-rays help with the diagnosis or monitoring of the teeth and the structures that support them. This makes dental x-rays a routine procedure that should happen once a year, give or take. If x-rays are such an important part of dental care, it makes sense to learn about them. Finding out how they work…

General Dentistry: When Is A Dental Crown Needed?

Upon your visit to a general dentistry practice, you might find that you need a dental crown. These are caps that go over your teeth to protect them. However, you may be wondering when this type of crown is needed for your teeth. Continue reading to learn more about the purposes of dental crowns.There are…

When Does A General Dentist Recommend X-rays?

Your general dentist fills an important role in your oral health. If you consistently visit the dentist for checkups and treatment, you reduce your risks of developing serious conditions. Part of the dentist’s diagnose is taking X-rays of your mouth and teeth. This may occur frequently, depending on your dental issues.Every time a person visits…

Recent Posts

Reasons To Seek Out An Emergency Dentistry Office

4 Reasons To Seek Out An Emergency Dentistry Office

Emergency dentistry can provide dental care during unexpected dental crises. Unfortunately, not all dentists can provide care at any time. That is why some people try to restore their own dental health at home. But the healthiest way to resolve a dental problem is to seek professional care.If patients want to know why they should…

Discreet Teeth Straightening With Invisalign

Discreet Teeth Straightening With Invisalign

Invisalign® is often the preferred choice for patients looking to straighten their smiles without the hassle of getting metal braces. If you have been avoiding teeth straightening because you are worried about people noticing metal brackets and wires on your teeth, Invisalign could be the perfect choice for you. Continue reading to see how you…

New York Dental Office