Life-long Benefits of Deep Cleaning Periodontal Treatment
Good oral hygiene and routine dental care are the best ways to combat gum disease. The more diligent you are in caring for your teeth, the less risk you have of developing oral infections that can lead to periodontal disease. If you’ve neglected your oral health over the years and are experiencing problems with your gums and teeth, you may need periodontal treatment. Periodontics from Mid-Valley Dental Care in Northridge, California, can help restore your oral health.
How does gum disease develop?
Hormonal balances, genetics, and certain systemic issues can cause gum disease, but the primary cause is dental plaque. This colorless bacterial film builds up when you fail to brush and floss your teeth properly. The bacteria in plaque secrete toxins that irritate your gums, causing gingivitis—the first stage of gum/periodontal disease.
Gum disease is progressive. When left to thrive, gingivitis advances to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease. Periodontitis causes gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss.
How do I know I have gum disease?
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) often presents with red, swollen, or bleeding gums, particularly when brushing or flossing. As it progresses to periodontitis, you might notice symptoms like persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, and pain while chewing. In advanced stages, teeth may even fall out if left untreated.
How is gum disease diagnosed?
The dentist examines your gums for tenderness, redness, or swelling. We may also use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the distance between your teeth and gums (sulcus). Healthy gums typically have a sulcus depth of 3mm or less. If the measurements exceed 3mm, it could indicate periodontal disease. The greater the depth, the more advanced the infection may be. Sometimes, we can use dental X-rays to detect bone loss.
Does gum disease affect systemic health?
Yes! Periodontal disease is not just about oral health—it can affect overall well-being. Research has shown a strong connection between gum disease and systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can enter your bloodstream, creating an inflammation overload, which increases the risk of systemic complications.
How is periodontal disease treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the gum disease. We always take a conservative approach to treating gum disease. For gingivitis, treatment is as simple as professional cleanings and improved oral hygiene.
We recommend deep periodontal cleaning if your gum disease is moderate to severe. This non-surgical procedure involves scaling, where the dentist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar from the deep periodontal pockets. The second part of your treatment is root planing. The dentist smoothes out your roots to encourage your gums to reattach to your teeth. In some cases, we may integrate antibiotic therapy to prevent re-infection.
If you don’t respond to deep teeth cleaning, surgical interventions like gum grafting or flap surgery may be necessary to restore gum health and prevent further damage.
Is gum disease preventable?
Although gum disease is common, it’s easily preventable with good oral hygiene habits. Observe the following tips to keep your gums infection-free.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to prevent plaque buildup between teeth
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Schedule regular dental cleanings with your dentist
- Limit the intake of sugary foods and drinks
- Quit tobacco use
Can I get gum disease treatment near me?
Mid-Valley Dental Care is committed to helping you maintain optimal oral health. If you suspect gum disease in Northridge, California, call (818) 886-3500 to schedule an appointment.