Gum disease is a serious oral health problem and, once you have it, the only way to make it go away is with help from your dentist. No amount of concentrated brushing and flossing at home will eliminate the early stages of gingivitis or the later stages of periodontal disease. Quite often, deep teeth cleaning is necessary to fully clear the infection from your gums.
Start Taking Care of Your Teeth Now
Don’t be embarrassed to approach your Manhattan Beach dentist with your suspicions of gum disease. They have seen everything when it comes to teeth. The most important thing is to get the dental care you need so your teeth and smile are not destroyed. Left untended, gum infections can cause tooth loss.
The earliest signs of gum disease are not always easy for the untrained eye to notice. That’s why people who have slacked on their biannual dental visits often find themselves suffering with this problem – it takes a dentist to really recognize what’s going on in your mouth and if they don’t see your teeth and gums regularly, you’re missing out on that valuable perk. Even if you haven’t prioritized oral health care recently, it isn’t too late to start.
Risks for Developing Gum Disease
Good oral hygiene at home can certainly go a long way to prevent gum disease, but unfortunately some patients are predisposed to developing this condition, which makes regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings even more critical.
Gum disease is far more likely to occur in the following circumstances:
- Adults over 50, with the risk growing as you age
- Poor oral health care
- Skipping dental cleanings
- Diabetes sufferers
- Other family members have gum disease
- Medications you’re taking cause dry mouth
- Tobacco user
Deep Teeth Cleaning and More for Gum Infections
There are several ways that gum disease can be treated, but the most common and effective options include the following:
- Deep teeth cleaning: When bacteria, tartar, and plaque has collected around the edge of the gum line, deep teeth cleaning is performed to scrap the buildup away, creating a clean area for healing to begin.
- Scaling and root planing: A soft tissue management treatment, scaling and root planing remove trapped tartar from below the gum line. Any bumpy areas are smoothed out so there are no longer any surfaces that are attractive to plaque.
- Pocket reduction surgery: The most advanced cases of periodontal disease may require pocket reduction surgery to remove bacteria from the pockets around the teeth. This treatment can also be done to repair damaged bone.
- Antibiotics: Gum disease is an infection and a course of antibiotics is an excellent counterpart to support whatever hands-on gum disease treatment you undergo. The prescription combats further infection and promotes healing and can come in the form of a topical treatment, antimicrobial rinse, or mouthwash.
Get Gum Disease Treatment from Manhattan Beach Dentist
If you are suffering from swollen, tender, red, and bleeding gums, don’t hesitate to reach out and make an appointment a Beachside Smiles, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by severe gum recession and loose teeth. Contact us in Manhattan Beach, CA, to schedule an appointment.
