Having a beautiful smile is an important goal for many people. But even more important than the appearance of your grin is the condition of your teeth and gums. After all, they aren’t just there for decoration. That’s why if you’re interested in upgrading your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry, it’s important that your mouth is free of things like gum disease first. Here’s a closer look at why!
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is bacterial infection that affects the periodontal (gum) tissue that protects the roots of your teeth and helps hold them in place in your jaw. It can cause things like bleeding when brushing and flossing, persistent bad breath, swelling and inflammation, and even receding along the base of the teeth. If left untreated, it could even eventually lead to tooth loss and bone deterioration that could result in even more missing teeth!
Why is Having Healthy Gums Important for Your Teeth?
As mentioned above, the gums help protect the delicate roots of your teeth from things like decay, cavities, and sensitivity. Without them, your teeth can drift out of place or even become so decayed that they fall out or need to be extracted.
How Does My Dentist Treat Gum Disease?
There are a few ways your dentist may choose to treat your gum disease, depending on the severity of your condition. The first stage of this infection is known as gingivitis. In most cases, it is completely reversible by improving your brushing and flossing routine. However, if it has become more advanced, you may need a more in-depth intervention, such as laser therapy, scaling and root planing, or even gum grafting to treat areas with deep recession. Unfortunately, there is no cure for gum disease, since it is a progressive condition, so it will always need to be managed once it develops.
Why Do I Need to Treat Gum Disease Before Getting Cosmetic Dentistry?
Whether you’re interested in whitening your smile, or changing the shape, size, or spacing of the teeth, one fact remains the same: without a healthy foundation, your results won’t last. After all, you wouldn’t redo the flooring of a house that was crumbling without first shoring it up. The same can be said for your mouth. If the teeth and gums aren’t in good condition, the cosmetic improvements you make to it going forward either won’t last, or won’t matter, especially if you end up losing your teeth!
What Should I Do if I Suspect I Have Gum Disease?
The great news is that if you do notice any of the warning signs of gum disease, help is available. First, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with your dentist. There, she or he will evaluate your periodontal health, and make recommendations for which treatment will work best to address your individual symptoms. Then, once your mouth is healthy, you can choose from their selection of cosmetic dentistry treatments to help you achieve your smile goals, all with the confidence of knowing that your results have the best odds of lasting for as long as possible!
Remember, your dentist offers many cosmetic dentistry treatments designed to improve your smile and give you the confidence to share it with the world. But if you have untreated gum disease, it could spell disaster for your mouth. So, before you get started upgrading your grin, be sure to address dangerous oral health conditions like periodontal disease first so your new look lasts for years to come!
About Our Practice
At Sunrise Dental Center, we want you to have a healthy and beautiful mouth! That’s why we’re proud to offer a variety of dental treatments including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures. If you’d like to upgrade your grin with the help of cosmetic dentistry, schedule a consultation with us today. Our dentists will review your goals and the present condition of your oral health, and if it’s not where it should be, help you get back to optimal wellness before starting your smile makeover. To book your consultation, visit our website or call us today at 713-869-9973.
