Did you recently get diagnosed with periodontal disease? While it may sound intimidating, it is typically not as scary as it sounds. Periodontal disease or gum disease is quite common and may not always be a cause for alarm. However, it can become severe if left untreated.
This is why it is essential to practice good oral hygiene and get regular dental check-ups to catch this disease early on. A simple way to avoid periodontal disease is to get a deep cleaning from your local dentist.
This article will run you through everything you need to know about gum disease and how deep cleaning can help.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common dental condition resulting from poor oral hygiene. It usually begins as gingivitis due to the build-up of bacteria around the gum line. You may start to experience bleeding and inflammation of the gums at this time.
Eventually, this can develop into periodontitis if you don't get it treated. The bacteria will eventually produce a sticky white plaque that hardens into yellow tartar. Tartar requires professional cleaning to remove.
If you don't get this tartar and plaque removed, it can cause your gums to recede, your jawbone to wear away, and eventually, your teeth may loosen and fall out.
How Do You Prevent Severe Gum Disease?
There are some simple steps that you can take to prevent gum disease from becoming severe. These include:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice daily
- Using a quality toothbrush that can clean in all directions
- Including the space between the teeth and beneath the gum line when you clean your teeth – you can use interdental brushes or water flossers.
- Using a toothpaste that has been certified by the American Dental Association for fighting gingivitis and plaque
- Adding an antimicrobial mouth rinse and a tongue scraper to your routine
Besides these steps that you can do on your own, you should also get a regular dental check-up. A dentist can check the health of your teeth and gums and can help prevent any serious dental problems. Should they notice plaque build-up or inflammation in your gums, they may recommend you to get a deep cleaning.
What Does a Deep Cleaning Do?
If your dental expert identifies you with gum disease at an early stage, a deep cleaning (also known as scaling and root planing) may be able to stop the disease's progression.
The plaque that has built up on your teeth and the pockets that have formed inside your gums will be removed by your dental expert utilizing manual instruments and ultrasonic vibrations.
The roots of your teeth can then be smoothed out by your dentist, which will aid in the reattachment of your gums following the surgery. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, scaling and root planing may necessitate one or more visits to the dentist.
The Benefits of Getting a Deep Clean
If your dentist wants you to have a deep cleaning, some of its benefits include the following:
- Stopping the spread of gum disease
- Treating a current infection and boosting the healing process
- Fighting gum disease can cause bad breath.
- Taking care of the roots of your teeth
- Ensuring that the teeth above and below the gumline are clean
Conclusion
Gum disease is a common condition that can be easily prevented by following the basic steps outlined above. If you have a severe case of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend a deep clean as part of your treatment. This will help you to restore your gums back to health.
Are you looking for an affordable dentist in Waterford, MI? Dental House MI has a dedicated team to provide you with high-quality dental care. Make an appointment today!