Periodontal Care

What is gum disease?

Your gum tissue works to help keep your teeth in place. This tissue also serves a vital role in creating a barrier between the environment in your mouth and your bloodstream. 

When your gum tissue becomes inflamed, it can pull away from the surface of your teeth, allowing bacteria and plaque to reach areas where routine brushing and flossing can’t remove them.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease, marked by inflamed gums. You might notice a tinge of pink or red when you rinse after brushing and flossing, and you may also have more sensitivity in your gum tissue. 

Periodontitis

At this stage of gum disease, your gums have swollen to the point they’ve pulled away from the sides of your teeth. You might notice bad breath, gum pain, and visibly red and swollen gum tissue. 

It’s important to seek treatment as soon as you notice the first signs of gum disease. Left untreated, the condition can advance and eventually lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is also linked to numerous general health issues, so repairing damaged gums is essential for overall health and wellness. 

What is periodontal care?

Periodontal care is treatment that addresses gum disease. In the early stages, most cases of gingivitis can be treated simply by improving your dental hygiene habits. It only takes a matter of weeks for inflamed gums to heal once your dentist removes all traces of plaque and tartar and you boost your brushing and flossing habits. 

Once periodontitis develops it takes more in-depth treatment to resolve the problem. A process called scaling and planing is the best way to treat advanced gum disease. 

Your practitioner uses a handheld device to manually remove all plaque and tartar (scaling) from not only the visible surfaces of your teeth, but also the areas where gum tissue has pulled away to create small pockets at the roots of your teeth. 

Root planing involves smoothing the surface of your tooth roots to make it harder for plaque and bacteria to take hold. A local anesthetic is often used to eliminate sensation prior to scaling and root planing. 

What can I do to prevent future gum disease?

Once your gums have healed, and your teeth are professionally cleaned, you’ll want to do everything you can to prevent another round of gum disease. Fortunately, establishing and sticking to a solid dental hygiene routine is all that’s needed to prevent gum disease. 

Daily brushing and flossing is key, and it’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the enamel on your teeth or your gum tissue. If you’re unsure how to floss properly, ask your dentist or hygienist for a quick demonstration during your next visit. 

You should also come in for routine dental exams and professional cleanings. Your dental care team will check for signs of dental decay and gum disease, and let you know if you need to make adjustments in your daily dental care routines. Book your visit now by calling the office or spending a few moments on the online scheduling page.