Dental Scaling and Root Planing for Healthy Gums

If you have been putting off a visit to the dentist because you just haven’t had time to get your teeth cleaned, you could be asking for problems. Neglecting twice-yearly dental appointments could be much more serious than a couple of fillings could.

Your teeth and gums are the gateway to the rest of your body. Recent studies have indicated that gum disease could increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Web MD explains that the best way to keep your mouth healthy is to brush twice and floss once each day. If you are unsure about your brushing and flossing techniques, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist who can show you the right way to clean your teeth. Other habits to include in your oral hygiene protocol include eating a healthy diet, plenty of fluoride and regular checkups with your dentist.

If your gums are swollen, red, bleeding after you eat, brush, or floss, you may be suffering from gingivitis or periodontal disease. The more advanced periodontal disease can cause serious problems, and if left untreated, could cause tooth and even bone loss.

Periodontal disease can be treated if caught early enough, and if your dentist has diagnosed you with gum disease, he or she may recommend dental scaling and root planing to help your gums heal.

Dental scaling and root planing is the conventional treatment for periodontal disease. This non-surgical periodontal procedure also referred to as a deep cleaning removes and eliminates the tartar and dental plaque that causes gingivitis and periodontal disease.

If your dentist has recommended dental scaling and root planing, you have a very good chance of nipping your gum disease in the bud as dental scaling and root planing help your gums heal.

For more information regarding gum disease or dental scaling and root planing, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. You may think your gums are healthy, but only your dentist knows for sure. Call and schedule a dental checkup with your dentist today.

What You Need to Know About Gum Disease

Gum disease is reversible, but if left to its own devices, could lead to tooth loss. If you are experiencing swollen or red gums, bleeding after brushing and flossing or bad breath that just won’t go away, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Your dentist explains that gum disease affects millions of people across the country, but what used to be an epidemic in adults over the age of 35, is now becoming more common in teenagers and even children.

Bacteria and plaque invading the gum line cause gingivitis, and the more serious periodontal disease. In the early stages of gum disease, your gums will bleed easy when you brush and floss. They will also become inflamed, red, and swollen. During the gingivitis stage, tissue damage and irreversible bone loss have yet to occur.

If you do not see your dentist for a professional cleaning, gingivitis can advance to the more serious periodontal disease. People who have periodontal disease will see the inner layer of their gums and jawbone begins to pull away from the tooth or teeth allowing pockets to form. Because your body is fighting the bacteria, the plaque will begin to spread and grow underneath your gum line. That bacteria, plaque and tartar, will begin to break down your bone along with the connective tissue that is there to hold your teeth in place.

When periodontal disease progresses, those pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums will begin to deepen, weakening the bones that anchor your teeth in place. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases, this does lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is the number one reason that adults lose their teeth.

The primary reason for gum disease is poor oral hygiene. To prevent gingivitis, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush twice each day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once each day and eat a healthy well-balanced diet. The ADA also recommends that you visit your dentist twice a year or more often if you have fought gum disease in the past. If you are unsure what products to use, check out the ADA list of approved dental care products.

Other causes of gum disease include hormonal changes such as menopause, puberty, and pregnancy. Gingivitis and periodontitis can also occur if you are on certain medications, such as Procardia, Dilantin, and Adalat, as these medications can cause abnormal growths to occur in and around the gum tissue. If are suffering from a systemic disease you may also be more susceptible to gum disease. Smoking and chewing tobacco can also cause gum disease as can a family history of gingivitis or periodontal disease.

For more information regarding gum disease prevention, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.