Deeper Cleaning to Fight Gingivitis
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health concerns, especially for adults, but not everyone recognizes when it’s time to worry. For instance, the earliest stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, doesn’t usually cause your teeth or gums to hurt. Therefore, issues like slight redness, minor swelling in your gums, and the occasional bit of blood when you brush your teeth don’t seem so significant. However, these early signs could be a warning that your dentist will take seriously. If a routine dental exam reveals signs of gingivitis, then you may require periodontal cleaning to fight it before it grows more severe.
When Periodontal Cleaning Is Necessary
Periodontal cleaning, also described as scaling and root planing, involves carefully cleaning the surfaces of your teeth roots, which lie underneath your gums. Cleaning, or scaling, the roots removes the bacteria causing gingivitis, while smoothing the root surfaces (planing) makes it harder for bacteria to gather there and easier for your periodontal tissues to heal. Cleaning all of your teeth roots underneath your periodontal tissues takes longer than traditional dental cleaning, and therefore, it may take multiple visits to complete it. If your gingivitis has already progressed into more severe stages of gum disease, then you might also require more specialized periodontal care and maintenance to control it.
Fight Gum Disease Early with Deep Cleaning
Regular cleanings can help you prevent most issues, but if gingivitis becomes a threat, then deep periodontal cleaning could be necessary to protect your smile. For more information, schedule a consultation with us by calling Gateway Dental Group in downtown Des Moines, IA, today at (515) 244-9565. We also proudly serve patients from West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, and all surrounding communities.