Getting rid of gingivitis or periodontal disease from your mouth and gums does not end with treatment. Regular maintenance is a must.
Getting rid of gingivitis or periodontal disease from your mouth and gums does not end with treatment.
Regular maintenance is a must.
Regular cleanings and maintenance keep gingivitis from returning.
Avoid Smoke or chew tobacco.
Eradicating gingivitis or periodontal disease from your mouth and gums is essential to having a healthy smile. If you have recently had this type of procedure, do not wait 12 months to see the dentist again.
Almost immediately following a treatment, plaque and tartar begin to form again. Many patients do not realize that periodontal maintenance is the only sure way to keep gum disease from returning. Procedures such as scaling, and root planning should be performed at regular intervals following any periodontal treatment. Suggested maintenance includes the continued removal of plaque and tartar, scaling and tooth planning and polishing.
Gingivitis
Do not wait to see your dentist if you think you might have gingivitis. The degenerative disease can cause significant tooth and gum deterioration if left untreated. If you do have gingivitis, treating the condition is relatively simple and can be performed by your hygienist or dentist.
Bacteria thrive and multiply when plaque and tarter accumulate on the teeth. Bacteria can cause gums to become inflamed and bleed, and those conditions become more noticeable when you eat or when you brush your teeth. Inflamed and bleeding gums are and early sign of gingivitis.
Scaling and polishing are early treatments for patients who have gingivitis. If the disease is not treated early, the roots of the teeth may need a planing to get rid of the gingivitis. Patients might ask what is the difference between scaling and root planing? Scaling is the removal of the dental tartar from the tooth surface. Root planing is the process of smoothing the root surfaces to remove the infected tooth structure.
Scaling and planing are a non-surgical procedure that is administered without anesthesia. While the procedure is usually painless, advanced stages of gingivitis may make it necessary to numb the area. Deep scaling and root planing is usually broken down into one section of the mouth per appointment. This allows for adequate healing time and reduces the time for each appointment.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is also known as periodontitis and is a serious infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissue around the tooth and destroy the bone that supports the tooth. The infection begins as plaque, which is an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to form tartar. As tartar accumulates, it becomes a home for bacteria that attack the soft tissue at the base of the teeth.
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis which can destroy the tissue surrounding your teeth, and the bone that holds your teeth in place. Bleeding gums and bad breath are early warning signs that a patient may have gingivitis. The disease advances silently and often without pain.
An obvious indicator of a serious gum infection is tooth loss. Scientific research has shown links to gum disease and stroke, heart disease and diabetes. Pregnant women can be affected by gum disease because the body's entire immune system is weakened.
