One thing we consistently stress to our patients is the importance of flossing and rinsing in addition to daily brushing. Adding these extra steps into your dental hygiene routine keeps your teeth and gums healthy. In addition, maintaining good oral hygiene is key to keeping cavities, bad breath, and gum disease away. It can even help protect your overall health from more serious conditions down the road, including heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
There is an additional measure that can be taken to remain proactive in your dental hygiene: gum treatments.
What is Gum Disease?
First, let’s cover the basics. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line. It is caused by a build up of plaque on teeth—a sticky substance that naturally forms in our mouths after eating food and drinking liquids. Much of this plaque can be removed with regular brushing and flossing, however some of it can only be cleaned off by a dental professional.
If it is not treated early enough, it can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. When classifying gum disease, there are three different stages: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. If caught and treated in the early stages, it can be reversed. This is why we encourage daily flossing, rinsing, gum treatments, and of course regular visits to a dental professional. There are many other conditions dental professionals can identify early that may be invisible to us.
What to Know About Gum Treatments
There are several methods for treating periodontal disease. There are surgical and non-surgical options, depending on the progression of the disease. When possible, we prefer to use non-surgical methods of treatment.
Here at Dr. Lordo, we have a gum treatment that is both non-surgical and can be completed in one visit. This gum treatment is not only for someone who has the beginning stages of periodontal disease, but a great preventative measure to take to maintain good oral hygiene and health.
Can You Explain the Procedure?
Gum treatments consist of a careful cleaning of the root surfaces. This helps to remove the plaque and tartar build up from deep periodontal pockets within your mouth. It also helps to smooth the tooth root by removing the bacterial toxins.
If you are being treated for periodontitis, you may be prescribed an antibiotic regimen to help fight off any bacteria after the gum treatment is completed. This is determined on a case-by-case basis, and many patients do not require any further active treatments.
If you are interested in learning more about how gum treatments can promote good oral hygiene, and how your oral health can benefit from getting one, call us today.