A study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology has suggested that individuals with gum disease are more likely to suffer from severe complications related to COVID-19. This stems from the connection between inflamed gum tissue and the body’s inflammatory response.
Taking care of your gums is therefore more crucial to your overall wellbeing than ever. Dentists encourage preventative care to protect your gums, which entails proper oral hygiene habits.
A major part of your oral hygiene routine includes regular visits to your dentist, who will screen your smile for periodontal problems and provide treatment if necessary. Dr. Matthew Gerald, a dentist serving patients in Vienna, VA, emphasizes the importance of finding urgent solutions for periodontal concerns.
Can I Tell If I Have Periodontal Disease?
Gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease, often presents with noticeable symptoms. Examples include soreness, redness, swelling, and bleeding in the gums. Though these issues may arise for acute reasons, like brushing or flossing your teeth too harshly, they could point to an infection if the symptoms persist.
But gum disease does not always display such recognizable dental concerns. Some individuals do not experience any symptoms at all until a dentist spots the issue.
This is why routine dental exams are crucial to maintaining your oral health. Your dentist can perform a periodontal screening to look for this infection. They will diagnose and treat it before irreversible structural damage can occur to your smile.
What Treatment Can I Expect from My Dentist?
If your dentist diagnoses you with periodontal disease, they will begin treating the infection within this same appointment. The first step that they will take to get rid of this disease is to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums of excess plaque, tartar, and bacteria.
They will access hard-to-reach spots in your mouth, such as deep in the gum pockets, to make sure they clear away the infection effectively. This cleaning method is referred to as scaling and root planing.
Dentists may recommend that patients rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash after they leave their office. This will help balance bacteria in your mouth, alleviating uncomfortable periodontal symptoms and lowering your risk of further or worsening infection.
Patients with a higher propensity for gum disease may need to continue using this mouthwash regularly and attend more frequent teeth cleanings. You can reduce the chances of contracting periodontal disease by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing daily.
Find Optimal Periodontal Disease Treatment in Vienna, VA
Dr. Gerald provides treatment for periodontal disease and other dental concerns for patients in Vienna, VA. Our practice specializes in restorative, general, and cosmetic dentistry, including professional teeth whitening services, for patients of all ages. If you feel nervous about upcoming dental work, ask your dental professional about sedation dentistry options. To schedule a consultation or appointment with our team of experts, contact our staff by phone at 703.721.4796 or reach our office online.