If you develop gum inflammation (gingivitis) or the early stages of gum disease, treatment is crucial for avoiding the advanced stages of periodontal disease, which are linked to discomfort and adult tooth loss. To protect smiles in Des Moines, IA, your dentist may recommend a periodontal cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing.
Routine Cleanings
A routine cleaning every six months helps limit the risk of periodontal disease. The treatment involves the dentist removing all plaque from the surface of the teeth with a manual tool and an ultrasonic scaling device. We then polish the teeth. Since plaque, a bacterial byproduct, weakens tooth enamel and inflames gum tissue, having your teeth cleaned helps reduce the risk of poor gum health. However, if you haven’t received one in several years, this could mean the buildup will need more than a traditional preventive cleaning.
When Do You Need a Periodontal Cleaning?
If you have substantial buildup, along with sore, red gums that bleed easily, receding tissue, or swelling along the gum line, then you may need a periodontal cleaning. Using an ultrasonic scaling device, we will remove all plaque from the teeth and the roots as well. For some, this could take only one visit. Others may need up to four visits to remove the buildup. The amount of time will depend on the extent of the buildup. Again, we polish the teeth following the procedure. Afterward, we may suggest routine cleanings every three to four months so we can monitor your smile. The procedure can reverse gingivitis and manage gum disease to prevent periodontitis, the advanced stage connected to adult tooth loss.
Other Preventive Steps
In between your visits, we suggest taking time each day to brush your teeth when you wake up and again before going to bed. Each session should take about two minutes and involve the use of a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You also need to floss before bed, which removes the food particles a toothbrush alone cannot. Be sure to avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products, and try to eat a healthier diet to reduce plaque buildup. With the right preventive steps, you can protect your smile from inflammation and reduce the need for periodontal cleanings and treatment. If you have any questions about the causes and warning signs of gum disease, then please contact our team today to discuss possible treatment options.
Do You Have Sore Gums?
Don’t ignore changes to your gum tissue, please let us know as soon as possible. Treatment could help protect the health and stability of your smile. For more information on our scaling and root planings, then schedule a consultation with Dr. Burds by calling Gateway Dental Group in downtown Des Moines, IA, at (515) 244-9565.