When thinking about dentures, most people only consider the health of their teeth or jaw to hold dentures in place. However, the dentures dentist in Troy wants you to know that the health of your gums is just as important.
How Gum Disease Affects Your Oral Health
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. The infection is the result of the same bacteria that is responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. There are basically three stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Advanced periodontitis
As gum disease progresses, it dramatically increases the potential for tooth loss, further spread of infection, and other serious issues that even affect your general health.
Why Gum Disease is a Problem for Denture Wearers
Both gum disease and gum recession can lead to issues with the comfort and fit of a denture.
With removable dentures, severe gum disease of the loss of gum tissue makes it easier for dentures to come loose and feel uncomfortable when worn.
If your dentures are fixed in place with dental implants, gum disease can decrease the stability of implants being in place, resulting in failure of the implant and serious damage to the jawbone.
Maintaining Periodontal Health
When it comes to treating gum disease, the our dentist usually recommends more frequent cleanings and the use of antibiotic rinses or medication. More severe cases may require a deep cleaning, referred to as scaling and root planing.
If you would like to take steps to prevent gum disease before it damages your oral health, consider these helpful tips:
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly, at least twice a day (ideally after every meal)
- Do not use tobacco products
- Clean and soak your denture/bridge as instructed
- Visit your dentist for regular checkups and maintenance
Please Contact Us for an Appointment
Would you like to protect your dentures by improving the health of your gums? Please contact the dentures dentist in Troy to arrange an appointment for exam and cleaning.