The mouth is naturally full of bacteria. The bacteria combine with mucus and food particles to form plaque on the teeth. Fortunately, people can get rid of plaque by brushing and flossing regularly. People will also visit a dentist biannually for deeper cleanings. When a person does not effectively remove plaque by brushing and flossing, it can harden and turn into tartar. A professional dentist can remove tartar with special tools.
If an individual does not visit a dentist in time to have plaque and tartar removed, there is a greater risk to the teeth and gums. The constant presence of tartar and plaque leads to chronic inflammation of the gums. When gums are first inflamed, it is called gingivitis, and it is the mildest form of gum disease. The common symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen, and bleeding gums. A cleaning in our Bowie office by a periodontics provider can reverse gingivitis. If an individual does not receive the effective treatment for gingivitis, it can turn into a severe version of gum disease called periodontal disease.
When periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis) occurs, the gums will begin pulling away from the teeth, forming periodontal pockets of space. These pockets harbor bacteria and become severely infected, helping plaque and tartar continue to grow under the gumline. If one does not treat periodontal disease by contacting a periodontics provider in our office, it can begin to deteriorate the bones and connective tissue that make up the dental structure. Receding gums can occur and tooth loss is possible.
The first step to fighting gum disease is a scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning that we perform on the gumline. During the scaling portion of the cleaning, we scrape off the tartar below the gumline and around it. During a root planing, we remove rough spots from the tooth roots. Germs grow in these rough spots. This procedure will help limit bleeding, inflammation, and discomfort.
We can also provide antibiotics or other medications that can fight infection and inflammation, as well as relieve discomfort. The medications we provide can work in conjunction with a scaling and root planing. If we feel as though your periodontal disease is not getting better or is causing serious problems, our periodontics provider may recommend other treatments, including surgical options. If you need treatments in addition to the less invasive ones we provide as a first defense, we can talk about your other options with you during your appointment.
To learn more about how we can help you fight gum disease, visit Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment, the sooner you can reverse the effects it has caused, or you can receive treatment to repair your gums and teeth.
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