Periodontal (gum) disease is a growing problem and one of the most common conditions we treat.
While good oral hygiene habits can help prevent periodontal disease, it can still happen. The earlier we catch it, the easier it will be to treat.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is caused by plaque that builds up on the teeth and especially under the gumline. The sticky plaque attracts bacteria and eventually turns into hard tartar. The tartar and bacteria irritate the gums and cause infection.
Brushing twice daily and flossing every evening using proper technique will help remove a lot of plaque.
But even the most diligent brusher and flosser may have a hard time cleaning off all the plaque, especially the plaque that hides under the gumline. You can improve your chances of staving off periodontal disease by getting twice-yearly professional dental cleanings from one of our excellent dental hygienists as recommended by the American Dental Association. So what if you brush and floss and get your regular cleanings like you are supposed to and still get periodontal disease? Other factors can contribute to and cause a predisposition to gum disease:
How we address your gum disease depends a great deal on how advanced it is and how much damage it has caused.
It’s important to treat gum disease, even in the early stages. Untreated gum disease will not only progress in your mouth but can also lead to health troubles throughout the rest of your body. We can often treat mild gum disease with a renewed commitment to good oral hygiene habits and an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Moderate-to-advanced gum disease may require a deep cleaning treatment known as scaling and root planing.
During this treatment, we remove the tartar from below the gumline and get rid of the rough spots where bacteria tend to gather. If you are concerned that you might have periodontal disease, don’t hesitate. Call our office today so that we can start your treatment.
10705 Randolph St., Crown Point, IN 46307
Our smile specialists are ready to make sure your smile is as healthy as possible. We offer treatments to meet your every dental need and customized plans tailored to your smile. At Dental Image, we believe everyone deserves a healthy, happy smile. Make an appointment today and let us help you find yours.