Gum disease is a problem that affects more than half of Americans today. It causes unsightly gums and bad breath. Fortunately, periodontal therapy improves your oral health and smile confidence, too. Are you dealing with infected gums? If you’ve got sensitive teeth or gums that bleed along with chronic bad breath, chances are good the answer is yes. Your dentist in Burlington provides periodontal therapy for gum disease sufferers.
Signs You Need Periodontal Therapy
Are you dealing with gum disease? Learn the symptoms of the condition and be prepared to seek treatment. Here are some things to look out for.
- Persistent bad breath
- Sensitive teeth and gums
- Gums that bleed
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
Periodontal therapy should be sought as soon as you realize there’s a problem with your gum health. Left untreated, gum disease has serious repercussions. In addition to causing partial and total tooth loss, the condition has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Types of Periodontal Therapy
Periodontal therapy can be non-surgical or surgical, depending on the severity of the infection. Non-surgical gum disease treatment is known as scaling and root planing, or the thorough removal of plaque and bacteria buildup above and below the gum line.
First, your dental hygienist or dentist uses special hand held tools to scale the surface of the teeth and right below, in the pocket between the tooth and gum. Root planing involves going below the gumline the gum to remove plaque from the surface of the root. Also known as a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing may be completed over the course of several appointments to the dentist. It may also be combined with antibiotic treatment for full healing.
How Gum Disease Treatment Improves Your Smile
Is your breath lacking something in the freshness department? Gum disease is an infection in which bacteria in the gums multiply — and that doesn’t smell good. Periodontal therapy heals the infection and allows you to breathe confidently once again.
Because gum disease also leads to gum recession, or the appearance that the gums are pulling away from the teeth, its treatment is necessary for keeping the gum tissue where it should be. Gum recession is an unsightly problem. Improve the appearance of red, swollen, and disintegrating gums with periodontal therapy.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease and Its Prevention
You are at a higher risk for developing gum disease if you experience one or more of these risk factors of gum disease:
- Poor dental hygiene
- Tobacco use
- Age (older than 35)
- Medications that cause dry mouth
- Health conditions that affect immune system
Let your dentist know if you are at a higher risk of gum disease. Prevention of the condition requires excellent at-home dental hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist at least every six months. A balanced, nutritious diet and an otherwise healthy lifestyle contribute to healthy teeth and gums.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Are you suffering from gum disease? Don’t let your smile (and your oral and overall health) diminish as a result. Contact Complete Dental Care to schedule an appointment for gum disease treatment today!
