Periodontal Cleaning Can Help Fight Gum Disease

Regular dental checkups and consistent brushing and flossing help control certain oral issues like plaque buildup and gum disease. Things happen, though, and we understand. That’s why your Houston, TX, dentist is here to help you with a complete overview of your health and create a personalized treatment plan. Sometimes that plan involves a periodontal cleaning procedure.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Periodontal cleaning is a more involved treatment than a regular dental cleaning, which mainly concentrates on your teeth crowns. It is a deeper process that focuses on removing plaque and tartar from your teeth roots. When we access the roots under your gums to clean them, that is called scaling. Smoothing out those roots so that it is more difficult for bacteria to stay on them is called root planing. After the bacteria is removed, your gums heal and teeth roots reattach to them. More than one visit may be needed to complete the process, and a local anesthetic may be used. If gum disease is more advanced, patients may need more specialized treatments.

Signs And Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Patients with red, swollen, or bleeding gums may be at this stage. Regular checkups can determine what the issue is and help reverse the disease with a deep cleaning. If left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis, which can lead to tissue and bone loss. Teeth may even become loose. Signs to pay attention to include

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding gums
• Gum tissue pulling away from your teeth
• Consistent bad breath
• Loose or moving teeth
• Change in bite

Mythbusting Gum Disease

Some patients believe that periodontal disease is not common. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately half of adults 30 years old or older have some form of it. A lack of cavities, too, is not a sign that it is not present. It is often painless, and patients may not know they have it. Just because you have it does not mean you will lose your teeth. Catching it early, during the gingivitis stage, may help prevent any teeth loss. Finally, bad breath is not a certainty that gum disease is present. Your breath odor can be caused by a variety of issues. Visiting your dentist regularly will help determine what is causing bad breath, followed by a personalized treatment plan.

See Us For A Deep Cleaning

If you feel that your gums are swollen or tender, let us help you with a periodontal cleaning so that you can have optimal oral health. To find out more about our approach to family dentistry, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Chan by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at (713) 926-8896.