Did you know that poor gum health could mean the onset of a serious disease and for some, an increased risk of adult tooth loss? In order to help our Tucson, AZ, patients enjoy optimal oral health, we may recommend periodontal therapy to protect smiles from gingivitis and gum disease. How do we safeguard smiles with periodontal care?
The Dangers of Gum Disease
Gum disease develops when our gums become inflamed and don’t receive treatment. Over time, the inflammation grows worse until bacteria enter the deep pockets forming at the gumline. Once the disease forms, you may notice your gums recede, swell, appear red, feel sore, or bleed easily when you brush and floss. Without treatment to manage the disease, the advanced stage could develop. Periodontitis actually leads to the tissues that connect the teeth and gums breaking down, causing teeth to become loose and eventually, lost. Causes of the disease include a family history of periodontal issues, poor oral hygiene, smoking and tobacco use, inflammatory illnesses, and certain medications. Fortunately, we have treatments to reverse the issue in the inflammation stage, or help manage periodontal disease to prevent tooth loss!
Preventive Steps
To avoid the disease, you should see your dentist every six months for a cleaning. During this visit, we will examine your smile to assess your risk of developing serious oral health issues. The cleaning portion involves the removal of all plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, which reduces inflammation and protects the smile from periodontal disease. At home, you need to brush your teeth for two minutes when you wake up and again before going to bed. More importantly, you need to floss every night before bed to remove the bits of food stuck between your teeth or on the gumline. Doing so prevents bacteria from breaking them down, and helps lower the chances of gum inflammation.
Possible Treatment Options
What if you develop inflammation, or the early stages of gum disease? Then to reverse the inflammation or manage your disease, we will offer a scaling and root planing. Using an ultrasonic scaling device, we will remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and the roots. The procedure is more in-depth than a traditional cleaning, and could take between one and four visits to complete. Afterward, we will recommend routine cleanings every three to four months.
Does Your Smile Need Periodontal Treatment?
Our team is ready to help you enjoy good gum health and keep your smile disease free. For more information on periodontal therapy, schedule a consultation with your dentist by calling Dr. Newman’s office in Tucson, AZ, today at 520-296-5439. We’re conveniently located inside the Grant Road Professional Plaza, and proudly welcome the residents of all surrounding communities.