A lot of people want to have a smile that is bright, white, and nice to look at. Consequently, they tend to think that all it takes to make their smiles their best is to take care of their teeth. That’s all well and good, but as Manhattan cosmetic dentist Clifford Degel and Carmen Every-Degel will tell you, taking care of your teeth is only part of the equation to having a great smile.
You see, what many people neglect to take into account is the overall health and appearance of the gums. Your gums are just as important to good dental health and an appealing smile as your teeth. For this reason, it is important that you keep your entire mouth clean to prevent gum disease from occurring.
Gum disease can take many different forms. One form is gingivitis. Gingivitis is a condition that results in gums that are swollen, a bright shade of red or purple, or that are overly sensitive and are painful. The most common cause of gingivitis is bacteria linked to plaque build up. If left untreated, gingivitis leads to periodontitis. This is essentially a more severe swelling of the gums that can affect the structures that surround and support your teeth. If periodontitis goes untreated, it can lead to teeth becoming loose or the loss of teeth.
Our office has a number of options for Manhattan gum disease treatment. This can include deep cleanings and root planning, or even advanced surgical and grafting techniques depending on the extent of the gum disease. Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy smile, which is why we always encourage our patients to practice good oral hygiene.
For more information on the health of your mouth and how to make your smile look its very best, contact our Astoria cosmetic dentistry office. We are eager to see you in our office to discuss these issues in greater depth and detail.
