Heightened stress and regulations associated with the ongoing global pandemic have led many individuals to relax their oral hygiene routines and skip routine dental appointments. However, this could make you vulnerable to medical risks.
Recent research suggests that individuals with periodontal disease could be more likely to experience severe complications related to COVID-19. This is due to the link between inflamed gums and the body’s inflammatory response.
To protect your wellbeing, you should pay attention to the health of your gums. Dr. Fabrizio Dall’olmo, a dentist located in Santa Monica, CA, emphasizes the importance of gum disease prevention and treatment.
How Can I Tell If I Have Gum Disease?
Patients with gum disease may experience sore, swollen, or bleeding gums. Though these symptoms may occur for acute reasons, like harsh brushing techniques, you should speak to your dental professional if they persist.
Some patients may not have noticeable symptoms when they have periodontal disease. This is why scheduling regular dental exams is important. Dentists can spot signs of gum disease during these appointments and treat the issue promptly.
Advanced stages of gum disease can cause severe, irreversible damage to your smile, including tooth loss. So while you may practice preventative care at home, you should still visit your dentist regularly to protect your gums.
What Treatment Will I Require?
If your dentist diagnoses you with gum disease, they will first thoroughly clean your teeth and gums to eliminate excess plaque as well as damaged tissue. This extensive cleaning process is called scaling and root planing.
If your gum concerns continue after this treatment, you may require more intensive periodontal therapy, which you can discuss with your dentist. In some cases, this could include oral surgery.
You can boost your gum health at home by using an antibacterial mouthwash. Adding this to your oral hygiene routine can balance bacteria in your mouth, reducing your risk of gum infections. But gum disease is not only caused by poor oral hygiene habits, so you should continue to visit your dentist for check-ups.
Periodontal Therapy with Your Santa Monica, CA Dentist
Dr. Dall’olmo is a highly qualified dentist who offers periodontal therapy and other general dental treatments to patients in Santa Monica, CA. Our practice also specializes in implant, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, including tooth bonding. To schedule an appointment with our team, contact us online or reach our office by phone at 310.736.1051.