Periodontal Therapy
Stop Gum Disease Before It Gets Worse
Deep cleanings remove infection and protect the foundation of your smile.
The word “periodontal” literally means “around the tooth,” and it refers to the structures that support your teeth, including the gums and the bone. Periodontal Disease, also known as gum disease, is a serious bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone surrounding your teeth. This infection causes inflammation under the gums and in the bone, which, if left untreated, can gradually destroy the bone structure that supports your teeth. Without proper care, this destruction can lead to tooth loss. In fact, approximately 75% of all adult tooth loss is attributed to periodontal disease, making it a significant concern for oral health.
Periodontal infection often progresses silently, without pain, until it reaches an advanced stage. However, there are several key symptoms that can signal the presence of periodontal disease. These symptoms include:
- Red, swollen, or inflamed gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing, flossing, or even at random times (e.g., pink on your toothbrush)
- Persistent aching, sore, itchy, or tender gums
- Receding gums, causing teeth to appear longer than usual
- Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
- Shifting or loosening teeth, or changes in the fit of partial dentures
- Increased spaces between teeth or noticeable gaps
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease can help preserve your teeth and prevent more severe consequences, including tooth loss. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, is key to preventing periodontal disease and protecting your long-term oral health.
FAQs
Why do I need a deep cleaning?
You need a deep dental cleaning (also known as scaling and root planing) instead of a normal cleaning if you have signs of gum disease or deeper plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line. A regular cleaning only removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, but a deep cleaning targets the areas below the gum line, where bacteria can build up and cause infection or damage to your gums and bone.
If your gums are swollen, bleed easily, or if you have pockets between your teeth and gums, it likely means you have gingivitis or periodontal disease. A deep cleaning helps treat these conditions, prevent further gum damage, bone loss, tooth mobility, and reduce the risk of tooth loss.
Bleeding Gums or Persistent Bad Breath?
Treat gum disease early with a professional deep cleaning.
