When you have sore, red, or bleeding gums, this could be a warning sign of a serious issue, such as gingivitis or even the early stages of periodontal disease. To help reverse inflammation or manage gum disease successfully, your Bellaire, TX, dentist could offer a deep cleaning, known as an ultrasonic scaling and root planing.
Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, occurs when plaque buildup begins to irritate and inflame the gum tissues. This could happen due to diets high in sugar and starch, bond with improper brushing and flossing or infrequent dental cleaning. Without treatment, the inflammation grows more severe until the gums themselves pull away from the teeth and form pockets for harmful bacteria to enter, causing the disease. Warning signs include sores, redness, or blending when you brush and floss. Treatment is crucial, while periodontal disease cannot be cured, it can be managed to prevent the later stage linked to adult tooth loss.
Scaling and Root Planing
To help preserve gingivitis or manage the early stages of periodontal disease, we could offer a deep cleaning. The process involves using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove all plaque and tartar from both the teeth and the roots. We will numb your smile to ensure you’re comfortable and this could take one visit or up to four, depending on how severe your buildup is. We then polish the teeth for a smoother finish and a brighter appearance. If you have gum disease, we could recommend a traditional cleaning every three to four months to manage it and prevent worsening symptoms or the risk of losing your natural teeth.
Preventive Actions
You can take action to help limit the risk of periodontal issues, or to help manage them and safeguard your smile. For example, you should brush your teeth thoroughly every day, in the morning and again at night. Each session should take at least two minutes. You also need to floss, as this removes what’s trapped between teeth or along the gum line. You need to floss up and down each side of every tooth, and dip below the gum line when you do. Try to avoid sugary foods and drinks, or items high in sugar, as this feeds harmful bacteria. Avoiding tobacco products is also helpful for your gum health!
If you have any questions about our scaling and root planing procedure, or about dental cleaning in general, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Bellaire, TX Dentist About Preventive Dentistry
Our team wants to help you avoid the complications of untreated inflammation and periodontal disease. If you have questions about improving your gum health, please reach out to Contemporary Dental And Orthodontics at 713-668-9119.