A routine dental cleaning every six months can help protect your oral health and keep your breath fresh and your teeth bright. But what about a periodontal cleaning? Also known as a scaling and root planing, this can help manage gum disease so you avoid worsening symptoms and tooth loss. At your Dallas, TX, dental practice, our team can safeguard your smile with a deep cleaning!
The Warning Signs of Gum Disease
How do you know if you have gums that need treatment? Periodontal disease often begins as inflammation brought on by factors like plaque and tartar buildup, which irritates the tissues and inflames them. The buildup could be due to improper brushing and flossing habits and a diet high in sugar and starch, all factors in the onset of plaque and tartar. Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products could be a factor, as could a family history of the issue or the presence of inflammatory illnesses.
You may notice your gums appear redder than usual or feel sensitive. Bleeding could occur when you brush and floss, and the tissues may even begin to recede, which makes the teeth appear longer. Don’t ignore these changes, as treatment to manage the issue can prevent the later stage, which is the number one cause of adult tooth loss!
The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
For gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease, our team can conduct a deep cleaning known as a scaling and root planing. Essentially, our team will use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to break up and remove buildup from the teeth, just as we do in a traditional cleaning. However, we also remove buildup from the exposed root portion and from beneath the gum line, destroying harmful pockets of atria in the process. For some, this could take one visit, while others may need up to four, depending on the severity of your plaque and tartar buildup. We numb your smile beforehand so the procedure is a comfortable one, and our team polish the teeth afterward to make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to adhere to the surfaces before your next traditional cleaning visit.
Taking a Preventive Approach
You can take steps to help avoid periodontal disease, or to aid in managing it to keep your smile whole. Be sure you’re seeing us for a traditional cleaning for the time we recommend, which is usually every six months. If you have risk factors for periodontal issues, we could suggest one every three to four months. Avoid tobacco products, eat a healthier diet, and be sure you brush and floss daily.
Talk To Your Dallas, TX Dentist About Periodontal Health
We offer care to help manage your gum health so you avoid issues like periodontitis. If you would like to find out more about keeping your gums healthy and strong, then reach out to our Dallas, TX, dental office today at (214) 343-1818.