Jillian, Registered Dental Hygienist
What are signs that gums may be unhealthy?
Some signs that we look for to indicate that the gums are unhealthy are redness, swelling, bleeding when you're brushing, flossing, or when we're probing, sensitivity or tenderness, and bad breath.
What can unhealthy gums lead to?
Unhealthy gums can lead to gum disease, which causes infection, bone loss, tooth mobility, gum recession, and ultimately tooth loss if untreated. It can also be linked to systemic health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, preterm labor, and many others.
How can I help prevent gum recession?
To help prevent gum recession, it is important to brush gently with a soft or electric toothbrush. Aggressive brushing is a major cause of recession. Gum recession can also be caused by clenching and grinding. In order to reduce this, we can make you a mouthguard. At Gearin Aesthetic and General Dentistry, we also specialize in Botox for the TMJ for clenching and grinding.
How do you determine what type of cleaning a patient needs?
The type of cleaning that you need is based on a few things. We will take dental X-rays to look at your bone levels. We will measure the gums with a probe to see what the measurements are and then do a clinical exam inside the mouth. When we collect all the data, we will use that to see if you need prevention or if you need a deep cleaning. Gum grafting is something that we refer out to the specialist.
How long will a dental cleaning take?
How long the cleaning takes depends on the service. Most cleanings take anywhere from one hour to two hours if you do need those deeper cleanings.
Your dental health matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re looking for expert dental care near Las Vegas, NV, call (702) 710-8847 or email [email protected] to learn more. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment below.